Inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), combinations and uses thereof for disease therapy, 
                         
wherein
     R 1  represents heteroaryl, -carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, -alkenylheteroaryl or -alkylheteroaryl;   R 2  represents alkyl; carbocyclyl which may optionally be substituted by alkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl, provided a triple bond is not adjacent to X; -alkyl-aryl; -alkyl-heteroaryl; -alkyl-heterocyclyl in which heterocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl; -alkyl-carbocyclyl in which carbocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl; aryl; heteroaryl; or H;   X represents S or NR 3 ;   R 3  represents H or C 1-4  alkyl.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application contains subject matter related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/867,845 filed on Nov. 30, 2006, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference. The benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/867,845 is also claimed.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The sequence listing submitted with this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5) that catalyzes the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamine residues into pyroglutamic acid (5-oxo-prolyl, pGlu*) under liberation of ammonia and the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamate residues into pyroglutamic acid under liberation of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5) catalyzes the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamine residues into pyroglutamic acid (pGlu*) liberating ammonia. A QC was first isolated by Messer from the latex of the tropical plant Carica papaya in 1963 (Messer, M. 1963 Nature 4874, 1299). 24 years later, a corresponding enzymatic activity was discovered in animal pituitary (Busby, W. H. J. et al. 1987 J Biol Chem 262, 8532-8536; Fischer, W. H. and Spiess, J. 1987 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 84, 3628-3632). For the mammalian QC, the conversion of Gln into pGlu by QC could be shown for the precursors of TRH and GnRH (Busby, W. H. J. et al. 1987 J Biol Chem 262, 8532-8536; Fischer, W. H. and Spiess, J. 1987 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 84, 3628-3632). In addition, initial localization experiments of QC revealed a co-localization with its putative products of catalysis in bovine pituitary, further improving the suggested function in peptide hormone synthesis (Bockers, T. M. et al. 1995 J Neuroendocrinol 7, 445-453). In contrast, the physiological function of the plant QC is less clear. In the case of the enzyme from C. papaya, a role in the plant defense against pathogenic microorganisms was suggested (El Moussaoui, A. et al. 2001 Cell Mol Life Sci 58, 556-570). Putative QCs from other plants were identified by sequence comparisons recently (Dahl, S. W. et al. 2000 Protein Expr Purif 20, 27-36). The physiological function of these enzymes, however, is still ambiguous. The QCs known from plants and animals show a strict specificity for L-Glutamine in the N-terminal position of the substrates and their kinetic behavior was found to obey the Michaelis-Menten equation (Pohl, T. et al. 1991 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 88, 10059-10063; Consalvo, A. P. et al. 1988 Anal Biochem 175, 131-138; Gololobov, M. Y. et al. 1996 Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler 377, 395-398). A comparison of the primary structures of the QCs from C. papaya and that of the highly conserved QC from mammals, however, did not reveal any sequence homology (Dahl, S. W. et al. 2000 Protein Expr Purif 20, 27-36). Whereas the plant QCs appear to belong to a new enzyme family (Dahl, S. W. et al. 2000 Protein Expr Purif 20, 27-36), the mammalian QCs were found to have a pronounced sequence homology to bacterial aminopeptidases (Bateman, R. C. et al. 2001 Biochemistry 40, 11246-11250), leading to the conclusion that the QCs from plants and animals have different evolutionary origins.

Recently, it was shown that recombinant human QC as well as QC-activity from brain extracts catalyze both, the N-terminal glutaminyl as well as glutamate cyclization. Most striking is the finding, that cyclase-catalyzed Glu₁-conversion is favored around pH 6.0 while Gln₁-conversion to pGlu-derivatives occurs with a pH-optimum of around 8.0. Since the formation of pGlu-Aβ-related peptides can be suppressed by inhibition of recombinant human QC and QC-activity from pig pituitary extracts, the enzyme QC is a target in drug development for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

First inhibitors of QC are described in WO 2004/098625, WO 2004/098591, WO 2005/039548 and WO 2005/075436.

EP 02 011 349.4 discloses polynucleotides encoding insect glutaminyl cyclase, as well as polypeptides encoded thereby and their use in methods of screening for agents that reduce glutaminyl cyclase activity. Such agents are useful as pesticides.

DEFINITIONS

The terms “k_(i)” or “K_(l)” and “K_(D)” are binding constants, which describe the binding of an inhibitor to and the subsequent release from an enzyme. Another measure is the “IC₅₀” value, which reflects the inhibitor concentration, which at a given substrate concentration results in 50% enzyme activity.

The term “DP IV-inhibitor” or “dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor” is generally known to a person skilled in the art and means enzyme inhibitors, which inhibit the catalytic activity of DP IV or DP IV-like enzymes.

“DP IV-activity” is defined as the catalytic activity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV) and DP IV-like enzymes. These enzymes are post-proline (to a lesser extent post-alanine, post-serine or post-glycine) cleaving serine proteases found in various tissues of the body of a mammal including kidney, liver, and intestine, where they remove dipeptides from the N-terminus of biologically active peptides with a high specificity when proline or alanine form the residues that are adjacent to the N-terminal amino acid in their sequence.

The term “PEP-inhibitor” or “prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor” is generally known to a person skilled in the art and means enzyme inhibitors, which inhibit the catalytic activity of prolyl endopeptidase (PEP, prolyl oligopeptidase, POP).

“PEP-activity” is defined as the catalytic activity of an endoprotease that is capable to hydrolyze post proline bonds in peptides or proteins were the proline is in amino acid position 3 or higher counted from the N-terminus of a peptide or protein substrate.

The term “QC” as used herein comprises glutaminyl cyclase (QC) and QC-like enzymes. QC and QC-like enzymes have identical or similar enzymatic activity, further defined as QC activity. In this regard, QC-like enzymes can fundamentally differ in their molecular structure from QC. Examples of QC-like enzymes are the glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like proteins (QPCTLs) from human (GenBank NM_(—)017659), mouse (GenBank BC058181), Macaca fascicularis (GenBank AB168255), Macaca mulatta (GenBank XM_(—)001110995), Canis familiaris (GenBank XM_(—)541552), Rattus norvegicus (GenBank XM_(—)001066591), Mus musculus (GenBank BC058181) and Bos taurus (GenBank BT026254).

The term “QC activity” as used herein is defined as intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamine residues into pyroglutamic acid (pGlu*) or of N-terminal L-homoglutamine or L-β-homoglutamine to a cyclic pyro-homoglutamine derivative under liberation of ammonia. See therefore schemes 1 and 2.

The term “EC” as used herein comprises the activity of QC and QC-like enzymes as glutamate cyclase (EC), further defined as EC activity.

The term “EC activity” as used herein is defined as intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamate residues into pyroglutamic acid (pGlu*) by QC. See therefore scheme 3.

The term “QC-inhibitor” “glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor” is generally known to a person skilled in the art and means enzyme inhibitors, which inhibit the catalytic activity of glutaminyl cyclase (QC) or its glutamyl cyclase (EC) activity.

Potency of QC Inhibition

In light of the correlation with QC inhibition, in preferred embodiments, the subject method and medical use utilize an agent with an IC₅₀ for QC inhibition of 10 μM or less, more preferably of 1 μM or less, even more preferably of 0.1 μM or less or 0.01 μM or less, or most preferably 0.001 μM or less. Indeed, inhibitors with K_(i) values in the lower micromolar, preferably the nanomolar and even more preferably the picomolar range are contemplated. Thus, while the active agents are described herein, for convenience, as “QC inhibitors”, it will be understood that such nomenclature is not intending to limit the subject of the invention to a particular mechanism of action.

Molecular Weight of QC Inhibitors

In general, the QC inhibitors of the subject method or medical use will be small molecules, e.g., with molecular weights of 500 g/mole or less, 400 g/mole or less, preferably of 350 g/mole or less, and even more preferably of 300 g/mole or less and even of 250 g/mole or less.

The term “subject” as used herein, refers to an animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human, who has been the object of treatment, observation or experiment.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” as used herein, means that amount of active compound or pharmaceutical agent that elicits the biological or medicinal response in a tissue system, animal or human being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which includes alleviation of the symptoms of the disease or disorder being treated.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” embraces both human and veterinary use: For example the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” embraces a veterinarily acceptable compound or a compound acceptable in human medicine and health care.

Throughout the description and the claims the expression “alkyl”, unless specifically limited, denotes a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group, suitably a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, e.g. C₁₋₄ alkyl group. Alkyl groups may be straight chain or branched. Suitable alkyl groups include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl (e.g. n-propyl and isopropyl), butyl (e.g n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl), pentyl (e.g. n-pentyl), hexyl (e.g. n-hexyl), heptyl (e.g. n-heptyl) and octyl (e.g. n-octyl). The expression “alk”, for example in the expressions “alkoxy”, “haloalkyl”, “hydroxyalkyl” and “thioalkyl” should be interpreted in accordance with the definition of “alkyl”. Exemplary alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy (e.g. n-propoxy), butoxy (e.g. n-butoxy), pentoxy (e.g. n-pentoxy), hexoxy (e.g. n-hexoxy), heptoxy (e.g. n-heptoxy) and octoxy (e.g. n-octoxy). Exemplary thioalkyl groups include methylthio-. Exemplary haloalkyl groups include CF₃—.

The expression “alkenyl”, unless specifically limited, denotes a C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl group, suitably a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group, e.g. a C₂₋₄ alkenyl group, which contains at least one double bond at any desired location and which does not contain any triple bonds. Alkenyl groups may be straight chain or branched. Exemplary alkenyl groups including one double bond include vinyl (i.e. ethenyl), propenyl and butenyl. Exemplary alkenyl groups including two double bonds include pentadienyl, e.g. (1E, 3E)-pentadienyl.

The expression “alkynyl”, unless specifically limited, denotes a C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl group, suitably a C₂₋₆ alkynyl group, e.g. a C₂₋₄ alkynyl group, which contains at least one triple bond at any desired location and may or may not also contain one or more double bonds. Alkynyl groups may be straight chain or branched. Exemplary alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl and butynyl.

The expression “cycloalkyl”, unless specifically limited, denotes a C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl group (i.e. 3 to 10 ring carbon atoms), more suitably a C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl group, e.g. a C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl group. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl. A most suitable number of ring carbon atoms is three to six.

The expression “cycloalkenyl”, unless specifically limited, denotes a C₅₋₁₀ cycloalkenyl group (i.e. 5 to 10 ring carbon atoms), more suitably a C₅₋₈ cycloalkenyl group e.g. a C₅₋₆ cycloalkenyl group. Exemplary cycloalkenyl groups include cyclopropenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl and cyclooctenyl. A most suitable number of ring carbon atoms is five to six.

The expression “carbocyclyl”, unless specifically limited, denotes any ring system in which all the ring atoms are carbon and which contains between three and twelve ring carbon atoms, suitably between three and ten carbon atoms and more suitably between three and eight carbon atoms. Carbocyclyl groups may be saturated or partially unsaturated, but do not include aromatic rings. Examples of carbocylic groups include monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic ring systems, in particular monocyclic and bicyclic ring systems. Other carbocylclyl groups include bridged ring systems (e.g. bicyclo[2.2.1]heptenyl). A specific example of a carbocyclyl group is a cycloalkyl group. A further example of a carbocyclyl group is a cycloalkenyl group.

The expression “heterocyclyl”, unless specifically limited, refers to a carbocyclyl group wherein one or more (e.g. 1, 2 or 3) ring atoms are replaced by heteroatoms selected from N, S and O. A specific example of a heterocyclyl group is a cycloalkyl group (e.g. cyclopentyl or more particularly cyclohexyl) wherein one or more (e.g. 1, 2 or 3, particularly 1 or 2, especially 1) ring atoms are replaced by heteroatoms selected from N, S or O. Exemplary heterocyclyl groups containing one hetero atom include pyrrolidine, tetrahydrofuran and piperidine, and exemplary heterocyclyl groups containing two hetero atoms include morpholine and piperazine. A further specific example of a heterocyclyl group is a cycloalkenyl group (e.g. a cyclohexenyl group) wherein one or more (e.g. 1, 2 or 3, particularly 1 or 2, especially 1) ring atoms are replaced by heteroatoms selected from N, S and O. An example of such a group is dihydropyranyl (e.g. 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl-).

The expression “aryl”, unless specifically limited, denotes a C₆₋₁₂ aryl group, suitably a C₆₋₁₀ aryl group, more suitably a C₆₋₈ aryl group. Aryl groups will contain at least one aromatic ring (e.g. one, two or three rings), but may also comprise partially or fully unsaturated rings. An example of a typical aryl group with one aromatic ring is phenyl. Examples of aromatic groups with two aromatic rings include naphthyl. Examples of aryl groups which contain partially or fully unsaturated rings include pentalene, indene and indane.

The expression “heteroaryl”, unless specifically limited, denotes an aryl residue, wherein one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4, suitably 1, 2 or 3) ring atoms are replaced by heteroatoms selected from N, S and O, or else a 5-membered aromatic ring containing one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4, suitably 1, 2 or 3) ring atoms selected from N, S and O. Exemplary monocyclic heteroaryl groups include pyridine (e.g. pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl or pyridin-4-yl), pyrimidine, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, oxazole, pyrazole, imidazole (e.g. imidazol-1-yl, imidazol-2-yl or imidazol-4-yl), thiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole (e.g. pyrazol-3-yl), triazole (e.g. 1,2,3-triazole or 1,2,4-triazole), tetrazole, pyridazine, pyrazine and isothiazole.

Exemplary bicyclic heteroaryl groups include quinoline, benzothiophene, indole (e.g. 1H-indol-6-yl), benzimidazole, indazole, purine, chromene, benzodioxolane, benzodioxane (e.g. 2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl) and benzodioxepine.

The aforementioned aryl and heteroaryl groups may, where appropriate, optionally be substituted by one or more (e.g. 1, 2 or 3, suitably 1 or 2) monovalent or multivalent functional groups. Suitable substituent groups include alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, -thioalkyl (e.g. -thiomethyl), —SO₂alkyl (e.g. SO₂Me), alkoxy- (e.g. OMe), cycloalkyl, —SO₂cycloalkyl, alkenyloxy-, alkynyloxy-, —C(O)-alkyl (e.g. COMe), alkoxyalkyl-, nitro, halogen (e.g. fluoro, chloro and bromo), cyano, hydroxyl, oxo, —C(O)OH, —C(O)Oalkyl (e.g. —C(O)OMe), —NH₂, —NHalkyl (e.g. —NHMe), —N(alkyl)₂ (e.g. dimethylamino-), —C(O)N(alkyl)₂, —C(O)NH₂ and —C(O)NH(alkyl). More typically, substituents will be selected from alkyl (e.g. Me), fluoroalkyl (e.g. CF₃), alkoxy (e.g. OMe), halogen and hydroxy. Further suitable substituents include —SOalkyl (e.g. SOMe) and —SOcycloalkyl. Another suitable substituent for a heteroaryl group is —C(NH)NH₂.

Examples of substituted aryl groups therefore include fluorophenyl- (e.g. 4-fluoro-phenyl- or 3-fluoro-phenyl-), pentafluoro-phenyl-, 4-hydroxyphenyl-, 3-nitro-phenyl-, 4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl- and 4-anilinyl- groups. Exemplary substituted monocyclic heteroaryl groups include methylfuranyl-.

Exemplary substituted bicyclic heteroaryl groups include chromen-4-one, chromen-2-one and methylbenzothiophenyl.

The expression “-alkylaryl”, unless specifically limited, denotes an aryl residue which is connected via an alkylene moiety e.g. a C₁₋₄ alkylene moiety. Examples of -alkylaryl include: -methylaryl and -ethylaryl (e.g. 1-arylethyl- or 2-arylethyl-); or phenylalkyl-, which may be optionally substituted. Specific examples of -alkylaryl functions include: phenylmethyl- (i.e. benzyl), phenylethyl- (e.g. 2-phenylethyl- or 1-phenyl-ethyl-), p-tolyl-methyl-, (p-tolyl)-ethyl-, (m-tolyl)-methyl-, (m-tolyl)-ethyl-, (o-tolyl)-methyl-, (o-tolyl)-ethyl-, 2-(4-ethyl-phenyl)-eth-1-yl-, (2,3-dimethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (3,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (2,3-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (3,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (2-ethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (3-ethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (4-ethyl-phenyl)-methyl-, (2-ethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (3-ethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, (4-ethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-fluoro-benzyl, (1-methyl-2-fluoro-phen-6-yl)-methyl-, (1-methyl-2-fluoro-phen-4-yl)-methyl-, (1-methyl-2-fluoro-phen-6-yl)-ethyl-, (1-methyl-2-fluoro-phen-4-yl)-ethyl-, 1H-indenyl-methyl-, 2H-indenyl-methyl-, 1H-indenyl-ethyl-, 2H-indenyl-ethyl-, indanyl-methyl-, indan-1-on-2-yl-methyl-, indan-1-on-2-yl-ethyl-, tetralinyl-methyl-, tetralinyl-ethyl-, fluorenyl-methyl-, fluorenyl-ethyl-, dihydronaphthalinyl-methyl-, dihydronaphthalinyl-ethyl-, or (4-cyclohexyl)-phenyl-methyl-, (4-cyclohexyl)-phenyl-ethyl-.

The expression “-alkylheteroaryl”, unless specifically limited, denotes a heteroaryl residue which is connected via an alkylene moiety e.g. a C₁₋₄alkylene moiety. Examples of -alkylheteroaryl include -methylheteroaryl and -ethylheteroaryl (e.g. 1-heteroarylethyl- and 2-heteroarylethyl-). Specific examples of -alkylheteroaryl groups include pyridinylmethyl-, N-methyl-pyrrol-2-methyl-N-methyl-pyrrol-2-ethyl-, N-methyl-pyrrol-3-methyl-, N-methyl-pyrrol-3-ethyl-, 2-methyl-pyrrol-1-methyl-, 2-methyl-pyrrol-1-ethyl-, 3-methyl-pyrrol-1-methyl-, 3-methyl-pyrrol-1-ethyl-, 4-pyridino-methyl-, 4-pyridino-ethyl-, 2-(thiazol-2-yl)-ethyl-, 2-ethyl-indol-1-methyl-, 2-ethyl-indol-1-ethyl-, 3-ethyl-indol-1-methyl-, 3-ethyl-indol-1-ethyl-, 4-methyl-pyridin-2-methyl-, 4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl-, 4-methyl-pyridin-3-methyl-, 4-methyl-pyridin-3-ethyl-.

The term “halogen” or “halo” comprises fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br).

Stereoisomers:

All possible stereoisomers of the claimed compounds are included in the present invention.

Where the compounds according to this invention have at least one chiral center, they may accordingly exist as enantiomers. Where the compounds possess two or more chiral centers, they may additionally exist as diastereomers. It is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Preparation and Isolation of Stereoisomers:

Where the processes for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention give rise to a mixture of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. The compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution.

The compounds may, for example, be resolved into their components enantiomers by standard techniques, such as the formation of diastereomeric pairs by salt formation with an optically active acid, such as (−)-di-p-toluoyl-d-tartaric acid and/or (+)-di-p-toluoyl-l-tartaric acid followed by fractional crystallization and regeneration of the free base. The compounds may also be resolved by formation of diastereomeric esters or amides, followed by chromatographic separation and removal of the chiral auxiliary. Alternatively, the compounds may be resolved using a chiral HPLC column.

Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salts:

In view of the close relationship between the free compounds and the compounds in the form of their salts or solvates, whenever a compound is referred to in this context, a corresponding salt or solvate is also intended, provided such is possible or appropriate under the circumstances.

Salts and solvates of the compounds of formula (I) and physiologically functional derivatives thereof which are suitable for use in medicine are those wherein the counter-ion or associated solvent is pharmaceutically acceptable. However, salts and solvates having non-pharmaceutically acceptable counter-ions or associated solvents are within the scope of the present invention, for example, for use as intermediates in the preparation of other compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates.

Suitable salts according to the invention include those formed with both organic and inorganic acids or bases. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include those formed from hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, citric, tartaric, phosphoric, lactic, pyruvic, acetic, trifluoroacetic, triphenylacetic, sulfamic, sulfanilic, succinic, oxalic, fumaric, maleic, malic, mandelic, glutamic, aspartic, oxaloacetic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, arylsulfonic (for example p-toluenesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, naphthalenesulfonic or naphthalenedisulfonic), salicylic, glutaric, gluconic, tricarballylic, cinnamic, substituted cinnamic (for example, phenyl, methyl, methoxy or halo substituted cinnamic, including 4-methyl and 4-methoxycinnamic acid), ascorbic, oleic, naphthoic, hydroxynaphthoic (for example 1- or 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic), naphthaleneacrylic (for example naphthalene-2-acrylic), benzoic, 4-methoxybenzoic, 2- or 4-hydroxybenzoic, 4-chlorobenzoic, 4-phenylbenzoic, benzeneacrylic (for example 1,4-benzenediacrylic), isethionic acids, perchloric, propionic, glycolic, hydroxyethanesulfonic, pamoic, cyclohexanesulfamic, salicylic, saccharinic and trifluoroacetic acid. Pharmaceutically acceptable base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as those of sodium and potassium, alkaline earth metal salts such as those of calcium and magnesium and salts with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine and N-methyl-D-glucamine.

All pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt forms of the compounds of the present invention are intended to be embraced by the scope of this invention.

Polymorph Crystal Forms:

Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms of the compounds may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds may form solvates with water (i.e. hydrates) or common organic solvents, and such solvates are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. The compounds, including their salts, can also be obtained in the form of their hydrates, or include other solvents used for their crystallization.

Prodrugs:

The present invention further includes within its scope prodrugs of the compounds of this invention. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds which are readily convertible in vivo into the desired therapeutically active compound. Thus, in these cases, the methods of treatment of the present invention, the term “administering” shall encompass the treatment of the various disorders described with prodrug versions of one or more of the claimed compounds, but which converts to the above specified compound in vivo after administration to the subject. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in “Design of Prodrugs”, ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

Protective Groups:

During any of the processes for preparation of the compounds of the present invention, it may be necessary and/or desirable to protect sensitive or reactive groups on any of the molecules concerned. This may be achieved by means of conventional protecting groups, such as those described in Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, ed. J. F. W. McOmie, Plenum Press, 1973; and T. W. Greene & P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991, fully incorporated herein by reference. The protecting groups may be removed at a convenient subsequent stage using methods known from the art.

As used herein, the term “composition” is intended to encompass a product comprising the claimed compounds in the therapeutically effective amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combinations of the claimed compounds.

Carriers and Additives for Galenic Formulations:

Thus, for liquid oral preparations, such as for example, suspensions, elixirs and solutions, suitable carriers and additives may advantageously include water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like; for solid oral preparations such as, for example, powders, capsules, gelcaps and tablets, suitable carriers and additives include starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like.

Carriers, which can be added to the mixture, include necessary and inert pharmaceutical excipients, including, but not limited to, suitable binders, suspending agents, lubricants, flavorants, sweeteners, preservatives, coatings, disintegrating agents, dyes and coloring agents.

Soluble polymers as targetable drug carriers can include polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyran copolymer, polyhydroxypropylmethacrylamidephenol, polyhydroxyethylaspartamide-phenol, or polyethyleneoxidepolyllysine substituted with palmitoyl residue. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be coupled to a class of biodegradable polymers useful in achieving controlled release of a drug, for example, polyactic acid, polyepsilon caprolactone, polyhydroxy butyeric acid, polyorthoesters, polyacetals, polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacrylates and cross-linked or amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels.

Suitable binders include, without limitation, starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose or betalactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth or sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride and the like.

Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there are provided compounds of formula (I),

wherein: R¹ represents heteroaryl, -carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, -alkenylheteroaryl or -alkylheteroaryl; R² represents alkyl; carbocyclyl which may optionally be substituted by alkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl, provided a triple bond is not adjacent to X; -alkyl-aryl; -alkyl-heteroaryl; -alkyl-heterocyclyl in which heterocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl; -alkyl-carbocyclyl in which carbocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl; aryl; heteroaryl; or H; X represents S or NH; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, polymorph or solvate thereof, including all tautomers and stereoisomers thereof; with the proviso that the following compounds are excluded from the scope of formula (I): (a) 5-[5-(methylthio)-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole; (b) 5-[5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole; (c) 5-[5-[[(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl]thio]-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole; (d) 5-[5-[(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)thio]-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole; (e) 5-[5-[(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)thio]-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole and (f) 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol.

The compounds of the present invention act as inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5) and QC-like enzymes.

The 6 compounds excluded from the scope of formula (I) by provisos (a) to (f) are known per se but are not believed to have known pharmaceutical use or to be known in pharmaceutical compositions. Therefore the pharmaceutical uses, methods and compositions according to the invention embrace compounds of formula (I) without the provisos.

In one embodiment, the following compounds are also excluded from the scope of formula (I):

R′═CH₃, C₂H₅, CH₂═CH—CH₂, C₆H₅, 4-CH₃OC₆H₄ which compounds are disclosed in SAWNEY et al. Indian Journal of Chemistry (1991) p 407-412 (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure);

which is disclosed in PANKINA et al. Khimiko-Farmatesevticheskii Zhurnal (1969) p 15-18 (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure);

which are disclosed in DONIA. Egyptian journal of chemistry (1987), p 259-263 (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure);

which is disclosed in MISHRA et al. Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. (1993), p 989-991 (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure);

which are disclosed in SULE et al. Bulletin of Haffkine Institute (1979), p 17-21 (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there are provided compounds of formula (I),

wherein: R¹ represents heteroaryl, -carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, -alkenylheteroaryl or -alkylheteroaryl; R² represents alkyl; carbocyclyl which may optionally be substituted by alkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl, provided a triple bond is not adjacent to X; -alkyl-aryl; -alkyl-heteroaryl; -alkyl-heterocyclyl in which heterocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl; -alkyl-carbocyclyl in which carbocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl; aryl; heteroaryl; or H; X represents S or NH; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, polymorph or solvate thereof, including all tautomers and stereoisomers thereof; with the proviso that the following compounds are excluded from the scope of formula (I): 5-[5-(methylthio)-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole; 5-[5-[(phenylmethyl)thio]-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole; 5-[5-[[(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl]thio]-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole; 5-[5-[(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)thio]-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole; 5-[5-[(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)thio]-1,3,4-oxodiazol-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole and 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol.

When R¹ represents heteroaryl, examples include monocyclic (e.g. 5 and 6 membered) and bicyclic (e.g. 9 and 10 membered, particularly 9 membered) heteroaryl rings, especially rings containing nitrogen atoms (e.g. 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms). A suitable bicyclic heteroaryl ring is a 9-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, especially a benzene ring fused to a 5-membered ring containing one or two nitrogen atoms (e.g. 1H-benzoimidazolyl). Most suitably the point of attachment is through a benzene ring, e.g. the group is 1H-benzoimidazol-5-yl. Aforementioned heteroaryl groups may either be unsubstituted (which is more typical) or may suitably be substituted by one or more (e.g. 1 or 2) substituents selected from alkyl (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkyl such as Me), alkoxy- (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkoxy- such as OMe) and halogen (e.g. F).

When R¹ represents -carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, examples of carbocycyl include cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclohexyl) and cycloalkenyl (e.g. cyclohexenyl), examples of heteroaryl groups include monocyclic (e.g. 5 or 6 membered, particularly 5 membered) rings especially rings containing nitrogen atoms e.g. 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms. Aforementioned heteroaryl groups may either be unsubstituted (which is more typical) or may suitably be substituted by one or more (e.g. 1 or 2) substituents selected from alkyl (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkyl such as Me), alkoxy- (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkoxy- such as OMe) and halogen (e.g. F). A suitable heteroaryl group is imidazol-1-yl. An exemplary -carbocyclyl-heteroaryl group is 3-imidazol-1-yl-cyclohexyl-.

When R¹ represents -alkenylheteroaryl for example C₂₋₆ alkenyheteroaryl, examples of alkenyl include C₂₋₆ alkenyl, especially C₂₋₄ alkenyl, in particular propenyl and examples of heteroaryl groups include monocyclic (e.g. 5 or 6 membered, particularly 5 membered) rings especially rings containing nitrogen atoms e.g. 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms. Aforementioned heteroaryl groups may either suitably be unsubstituted (which is more typical) or may be substituted by one or more (e.g. 1 or 2) substituents selected from alkyl (e.g. C₁₋₄alkyl such as Me), alkoxy- (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkoxy- such as OMe) and halogen (e.g. F). A suitable heteroaryl group is imidazolyl, particularly imidazol-1-yl. An exemplary -alkenylheteroaryl group is 3-imidazol-1-yl-prop-2-enyl-.

When R¹ represents -alkylheteroaryl, for example C₁₋₆ alkylheteroaryl, examples of alkyl include C₁₋₆ alkyl, especially C₂₋₄ alkyl, in particular propyl, and examples of heteroaryl groups include monocyclic (e.g. 5 or 6 membered, particularly 5 membered) rings especially rings containing nitrogen atoms e.g. 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms. Aforementioned heteroaryl groups may either be unsubstituted (which is most typical) or may suitably be substituted by one or more (e.g. 1 or 2) substituents selected from alkyl (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkyl such as Me), alkoxy- (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkoxy- such as OMe) and halogen (e.g. F). A suitable heteroaryl group is imidazol-1-yl. A particularly suitable -alkylheteroaryl group is 3-imidazol-1-yl-propyl-

Particular examples of R¹ heteroaryl groups include a 5-membered ring containing 2 or 3 nitrogen atoms, which ring may optionally be substituted (e.g. in particular by one or two groups, such as methyl or —C(NH)NH₂), for example:

Other examples of R¹ heteroaryl groups include a 9-membered bicyclic ring containing 2 nitrogen atoms, which ring may optionally be substituted, for example:

Clearly, the heteroaryl groups shown above may also be present as part of a larger R¹ function such as -carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, -alkenylheteroaryl or -alkylheteroaryl.

When R² represents alkyl, R² may optionally be branched. Examples include methyl. Examples also include C₂₋₁₀ alkyl e.g. ethyl, propyl (e.g. n-propyl, iso-propyl), butyl (e.g. n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl), pentyl (e.g. n-pentyl), hexyl (e.g. n-hexyl), heptyl (e.g. n-heptyl), octyl (e.g. n-octyl), nonyl (e.g. n-nonyl) and decyl (e.g. n-decyl).

When R² represents carbocyclyl, examples include cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl, which may optionally be substituted by alkyl. Examples of cycloalkyl include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. Examples of cycloalkenyl include cyclohexenyl (e.g. cyclohex-2-enyl, cyclohex-3-enyl). Examples of substituted carbocyclyl include 2-methyl-cyclohexyl-, 3-methyl-cyclohexyl-, 4-methyl-cyclohexyl-, 2-methyl-cyclohex-2-enyl, 2-methyl-cyclohex-3-enyl, 3-methyl-cyclohex-3-enyl, 3-methyl-cyclohex-3-enyl.

When R² represents alkenyl, examples include vinyl (i.e. ethenyl), propenyl (e.g. propen-1-yl and propen-2-yl), butenyl, pentenyl, pentadienyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, in particular propen-3-yl.

When R² represents alkynyl, examples include propynyl (i.e. propyn-2-yl), butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl.

When R² represents -alkyl-aryl a specific group that may be mentioned is —C₂₋₄alkylaryl. Another specific group is -alkyl(substituted phenyl) e.g. in which phenyl is substituted by one or more groups selected from alkyl, halogen and alkoxy (e.g. methyl, tert-butyl, chloro, fluoro and methoxy) and, for example, alkyl is C₁₋₄ alkyl. Another specific group is -alkyl(bicyclic aryl) e.g. wherein bicyclic aryl is optionally substituted naphthyl. A further specific group is benzyl.

Further specific examples include -methylphenyl, -ethyl-phenyl and -propyl-phenyl, wherein the phenyl ring may be optionally substituted. Further examples include -methyl-naphthyl, -ethyl-naphthyl and -propyl-naphthyl wherein naphthyl may be optionally substituted. Specific examples include 1-phenyl-ethyl-, 2-phenyl-ethyl-, 1-phenyl-propyl, 2-phenyl-propyl, 3-phenyl-propyl-, tolyl-methyl-, 1-tolyl-ethyl-, 2-tolyl-ethyl-, 1-tolyl-propyl-, 2-tolyl-propyl, 3-tolyl-propyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-benzyl-, 1-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-phenyl)-propyl-, 2-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-phenyl)-propyl-, 3-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-phenyl)-propyl-, 2,3,4,5,6-pentamethyl-benzyl-, 1-(2,3,4,5,6-pentamethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(2,3,4,5,6-pentamethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(2,3,4,5,6-pentamethyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 2-(2,3,4,5,6-pentamethyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 3-(2,3,4,5,6-pentamethyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 3,4,5-trifluoro-benzyl-, 1-(3,4,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(3,4,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(3,4,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-propyl-,2-(3,4,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-propyl-,3-(3,4,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-propyl-, 2,4,6-trifluoro-benzyl-, 1-(2,4,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(2,4,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(2,4,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-propyl-,2-(2,4,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-propyl-,3-(2,4,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-propyl-, 2,4,6-trimethyl-benzyl-, 1-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 2-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 3-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 3,4,5-trimethyl-benzyl-, 1-(3,4,5-trimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(3,4,5-trimethyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(3,4,5-trimethyl-phenyl)-propyl-,2-(3,4,5-trimethyl-phenyl)-propyl-,3-(3,4,5-trimethyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzyl-, 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-propyl-, 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-propyl-, 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-propyl-, 4-chloro-benzyl-, 1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-propyl-, 2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-propyl-, 3-(4-chloro-phenyl)-propyl-, 4-fluoro-benzyl-, 1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-propyl-, 2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-propyl-, 3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-propyl-, 4-methyl-benzyl-, 1-(4-methyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(4-methyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(4-methyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 2-(4-methyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 3-(4-methyl-phenyl)-propyl-, 4-tert-butyl-benzyl-, 1-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 2-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-ethyl-, 1-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-propyl-,2-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-propyl-,3-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-propyl-, naphthyl-methyl-, 1-naphthyl-ethyl-, 2-naphthyl-ethyl-, 1-naphthyl-propyl-, 2-naphthyl-propyl-, 3-naphthyl-propyl-, (2-methylnaphthyl)-methyl-, 1-(2-methylnaphthyl)-ethyl-, 2-(2-methylnaphthyl)-ethyl-, 1-(2-methylnaphthyl)-propyl-, 2-(2-methylnaphthyl)-propyl-, 3-(2-methylnaphthyl)-propyl-, (3-methylnaphthyl)-methyl-, 1-(3-methylnaphthyl)-ethyl-, 2-(3-methylnaphthyl)-ethyl-, 1-(3-methylnaphthyl)-propyl-, 2-(3-methylnaphthyl)-propyl-, 3-(3-methylnaphthyl)-propyl-.

When R² represents -alkyl-heteroaryl, specific examples that may be mentioned include —C₂₋₄alkyl-heteroaryl; -alkyl-(bicyclic heteroaryl); -alkyl-(monocyclic heteroaryl other than pyridinyl); -alkyl-(substituted monocyclic heteroaryl) and -alkyl-(unsubstituted pyridinyl).

Examples in which R² represents —C₂₋₄alkyl-heteroaryl include —C₂₋₄alkyl-(pyridin-2-yl), —C₂₋₄alkyl-(pyridin-3-yl), —C₂₋₄alkyl-(pyridin-4-yl), —C₂₋₄alkyl-(pyrrolyl), —C₂₋₄alkyl-(furanyl), —C₂₋₄alkyl-(thiophenyl). Specific examples include 1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-, 2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-, 1-(pyridin-2-yl)propyl-, 2-(pyridin-2-yl)propyl-, 3-(pyridin-2-yl)propyl-, 1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethyl-, 2-(pyridin-3-yl)ethyl-, 1-(pyridin-3-yl)propyl-, 2-(pyridin-3-yl)propyl-, 3-(pyridin-3-yl)propyl-, 1-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyl-, 2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyl-, 1-(pyridin-4-yl)propyl-, 2-(pyridin-4-yl)propyl-, 3-(pyridin-4-yl)propyl-, 1-(pyrrolyl)ethyl-, 2-(pyrrolyl)ethyl-, 1-(pyrrolyl)propyl-, 2-(pyrrolyl)propyl-, 3-(pyrrolyl)propyl-, 1-(furanyl)ethyl-, 2-(furanyl)ethyl-, 1-(furanyl)propyl-, 2-(furanyl)propyl-, 3-(furanyl)propyl-, 1-(thiophenyl)ethyl-, 2-(thiophenyl)ethyl-, 1-(thiophenyl)propyl-, 2-(thiophenyl)propyl- and 3-(thiophenyl)propyl-.

Examples in which R² represents -alkyl-(bicyclic heteroaryl) include (benzofuran-2-yl)alkyl-, (indol-2-yl)-alkyl- and (benzothiophen-2-yl)-alkyl-, as well as derivatives in which the corresponding heteroaryl group is substituted e.g. by one or more groups selected from alkyl, halogen and alkoxy. Specific examples include (benzofuran-2-yl)methyl-, 1-(benzofuran-2-yl)ethyl-, 2-(benzofuran-2-yl)ethyl-, 1-(benzofuran-2-yl)propyl-, 2-(benzofuran-2-yl)propyl-, 3-(benzofuran-2-yl)propyl-, (indol-2-yl)methyl-, 1-(indol-2-yl)ethyl-, 2-(indol-2-yl)ethyl-, 1-(indol-2-yl)propyl-, 2-(indol-2-yl)propyl-, 3-(indol-2-yl)propyl-, (benzothiophen-2-yl)methyl-, 1-(benzothiophen-2-yl)ethyl-, 2-(benzothiophen-2-yl)ethyl-, 1-(benzothiophen-2-yl)propyl-, 2-(benzothiophen-2-yl)propyl- and 3-(benzothiophen-2-yl)propyl-.

Examples in which R² represents -alkyl-(monocyclic heteroaryl other than pyridinyl include (pyrrolyl)alkyl-, (furanyl)alkyl-, (thiophenyl)alkyl-. Specific examples include (pyrrolyl)methyl-, (furanyl)methyl- and (thiophenyl)methyl-.

Examples in which R² represents alkyl-(substituted monocyclic heteroaryl) include (4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)methyl-, 1-(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-, 2-(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-, 1-(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)propyl-, 2-(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)propyl-, 3-(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)propyl-, (6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)methyl-, 1-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-, 2-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-, 1-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)propyl-, 2-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)propyl-, 3-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)propyl-.

Examples in which R² represents -alkyl-(unsubstituted pyridinyl) include (pyridin-2-yl)methyl-. Further examples include (pyridin-3-yl)methyl- and (pyridin-4-yl)methyl-.

When R² represents -alkyl-heterocyclyl in which heterocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl, examples include -methyl-heterocyclyl, -ethyl-heterocyclyl and -propyl-heterocyclyl in which heterocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl. Specific examples that may be mentioned include —C₂₋₄alkyl-(heterocyclyl optionally substituted by alkyl); -alkyl-(heterocyclyl substituted by alkyl); -alkyl(six or more membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted by alkyl); and -alkyl(five membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted by alkyl).

Examples in which R² represents —C₂₋₄alkyl-(heterocyclyl optionally substituted by alkyl), include -ethyl(pyrrolidin-2-yl), -propyl(pyrrolidin-2-yl), -ethyl(piperidin-4-yl)-ethyl(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl) and -ethyl(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl).

Examples in which R² represents -alkyl-(heterocyclyl substituted by alkyl) include (3-methyl-piperidin-2-yl)methyl-, 1-(3-methyl-piperidin-2-yl)ethyl-, 2-(3-methyl-piperidin-2-yl)ethyl-, (3-methyl-piperidin-3-yl)methyl-, 1-(3-methyl-piperidin-3-yl)ethyl- and 2-(3-methyl-piperidin-3-yl)ethyl-, (3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl-, 1-(3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethyl-, 2-(3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethyl- and -methyl-(N-1-methyl-piperizin-4-yl).

Examples in which R² represents -alkyl(six or more membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted by alkyl) include -alkyl-(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran), -alkyl-(piperidin-2-yl). Specific examples include (3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran)-methyl-, 1-(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran)-ethyl-, 2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran)-ethyl-, 1-(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran)-propyl-, 2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran)-propyl-, 3-(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran)-propyl-, (piperidin-2-yl)-methyl-, 1-(piperidin-2-yl)-ethyl-,2-(piperidin-2-yl)-ethyl-, 1-(piperidin-2-yl)-propyl-,2-(piperidin-2-yl)-propyl-, 3-(piperidin-2-yl)-propyl- and -methyl-(N-1-methyl-piperizin-4-yl).

Examples in which R² represents -alkyl(five membered heterocyclyl optionally substituted by alkyl) include those groups in which the heterocyclyl is nitrogen-containing, such as -alkyl-(pyrrolidin-2-yl), and those in which is it oxygen-containing such as -alkyl-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl) and -alkyl-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl).

Specific examples of nitrogen-containing moieties include (pyrrolidin-2-yl)methyl-, 1-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)-ethyl-, 2-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)-ethyl-, 1-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)-propyl-, 2-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)-propyl-, 3-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)-propyl-. Specific examples of oxygen-containing moieties include 1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-ethyl-, 2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-ethyl-, 1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-propyl-, 2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-propyl-,3-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-propyl-, (tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-methyl-, 1-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-ethyl-, 2-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-ethyl-, 1-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-propyl-, 2-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-propyl-,3-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-propyl-. A further specific example is (tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-methyl-,

When R² represents -alkyl-carbocyclyl in which carbocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl, examples include -methyl-carbocyclyl, -ethyl-carbocyclyl and -propyl-carbocyclyl in which carbocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl. Specific examples in which carbocyclyl is not substituted include -methylcyclohexyl, 2-cyclohexyl-ethyl-, -methylcyclopentyl and 2-cyclopentyl-ethyl-. Specific examples in which carbocyclyl is substituted include -methyl((2-methyl)cyclohexyl), 2-((4-methyl)cyclohexyl)-ethyl-, ((2-methyl)cyclopentyl)-methyl- and 2-((2-methyl)cyclopentyl)-ethyl-.

When R² represents -aryl, examples include optionally substituted phenyl. Specific examples include phenyl, 2-methyl-phenyl-, 3-methyl-phenyl-, 4-methyl-phenyl-, 2-methoxy-phenyl-, 3-methoxy-phenyl, 4-methoxy-phenyl-, 3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl-, 3,5-dimethoxy-phenyl-, 2,6-dimethoxy-phenyl, 2-chloro-phenyl, 4-chloro-phenyl-, 2,4-dichloro-phenyl-, 2,6-dichloro-phenyl-, 2-fluoro-phenyl-, 4-fluoro-phenyl-, 2,4-difluoro-phenyl-, 2,6-difluoro-phenyl-. A further example is naphthyl.

When R² represents -heteroaryl, examples include monocyclic groups such as furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-3-yl and imidazolyl and bicyclic groups such as indol-2-yl.

Suitably, R¹ represents heteroaryl, for example bicyclic heteroaryl, especially 9-membered bicyclic heteroaryl. More suitably, R¹ represents a phenyl ring fused with a 5 membered heteroaryl ring containing one or more (e.g. one or two, suitably one) nitrogen atoms, particularly when the point of attachment to the oxadiazole ring is on the phenyl ring. Suitably R¹ represents unsubstituted heteroaryl. In particular, R¹ suitably represents 1H-benzoimidazolyl, especially 1H-benzoimidazol-5-yl.

Suitably, R² represents alkyl, alkenyl, -alkyl-aryl, -alkyl-heteroaryl, aryl or H. More suitably, R² represents alkenyl, -alkyl-aryl, or H. Most suitably, R² represents -alkyl-aryl, for example C₁₋₄ alkylaryl e.g. C₁₋₂ alkylaryl in which aryl represents phenyl substituted by one or more groups selected from halogen (e.g. F or Cl), alkyl (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkyl) and alkoxy (e.g. C₁₋₄ alkoxy) groups or else R² represents benzyl or else R² represents C₂₋₄alkylphenyl. In an alternative suitable embodiment R² represents alkenyl.

In an alternative suitable embodiment R² represents H. Such compounds are also particularly useful in the synthesis of other compounds of formula (I) as described below.

In one embodiment of the invention, R² represents alkyl, suitably C₁₋₈ alkyl, suitably methyl, ethyl or octyl. In another embodiment of the invention, R² represents alkenyl, suitably propen-2-yl. In another embodiment of the invention, R² represents -alkyl-aryl, suitably -methyl-aryl, -ethyl-aryl or -propyl-aryl. Suitably, when R² represents -alkyl-aryl, examples include 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-benzyl-, 2,3,4,5,6-pentamethyl-benzyl-, 2,4,6-trimethyl-benzyl-, 2-phenyl-ethyl-, 3,4,5-trifluoro-benzyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl, 3-phenyl-propyl-, 4-chloro-benzyl-, 4-fluoro-benzyl-, 4-methyl-benzyl-, 4-tert-butyl-benzyl-, benzyl, naphthyl-methyl-. More suitably, R² represents 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-benzyl-, 2,4,6-trimethyl-benzyl-, 2-phenyl-ethyl-, 3-phenyl-propyl-, 4-chloro-benzyl-, 4-fluoro-benzyl-, 4-tert-butyl-benzyl-, benzyl, naphthyl-methyl-. More suitably, R² represents benzyl, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-benzyl-, 4-tert-butyl-benzyl- or 4-fluoro-benzyl-. Most suitably, R² represents 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoro-benzyl-. In another embodiment of the invention R² represents -alkyl-heteroaryl, suitably pyridin-2-yl-methyl-. In another embodiment of the invention R² represents aryl, suitably 3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl, 4-chloro-phenyl- or 4-fluoro-phenyl-. In another embodiment of the invention, R² represents H.

Suitably, X represents S.

Processes

A process for preparation of compounds of formula (I)

comprises

-   (a) preparing a compound of formula (I) in which X represents S and     R² represents hydrogen by a process comprising reaction of a     compound of formula (II)

-    with carbon disulfide; -   (b) preparing a compound of formula (I) in which X represents S and     R² represents other than hydrogen, aryl or heteroaryl by a process     comprising reaction of a compound of formula (I) in which X     represents S and R² represents hydrogen with a compound of formula     (III)     R²-L  (III) -    wherein L represents a leaving group; -   (c) preparing a compound of formula (I) in which X represents S and     R² represents -aryl or -heteroaryl by a process comprising reaction     of a compound of formula (I) in which X represents S and R²     represents hydrogen with a compound of formula (III′)     R²—I  (III′) -    wherein R² represents aryl or heteroaryl -    in the presence of CuI; -   (d) preparing a compound of formula (I) in which X represents S and     R² represents —CH═CH₂ or a homologue thereof having a longer carbon     chain by reaction of a compound of formula (I) in which X represents     S and R² represents H with the appropriate vinyl halide; or -   (e) preparing a compound of formula (I) in which X represents NH by     reaction of a compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula     (IV)     S═C═N—R²  (IV) -    followed by addition of a reagent that facilitates ring closure.

In process (a), the reaction will suitably be performed under basic conditions. Typically, the compound of formula (II) and carbon disulfide are dissolved in an organic solvent, such as a polar protic solvent (e.g. ethanol) and heated with an aqueous hydroxide (e.g. potassium hydroxide). Suitably, the reaction is performed at an elevated temperature (e.g. under reflux for 10 hours), by analogy to the process described in J prakt. Chem., 337, 239-241, 1995, (M. Parrak et al.) (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure).

In process (b), the reagents are suitably combined in an organic solvent such as a polar protic solvent (e.g. ethanol). Suitably, the reaction is carried out under basic conditions (e.g. in the presence of a suitable amine such as triethylamine). Suitable leaving groups L include halogen e.g. bromine or chlorine), by analogy to the process described in J prakt. Chem., 337, 239-241, 1995, (M. Parra et al.) (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure).

In process (c), the reagents are suitably combined at elevated temperature in an organic solvent such as ethylene glycol using basic conditions such as K₂CO₃ by analogy to the process described in Org. Lett., 4(20), 3517-3520, 2002, (F. Kwong et al.) (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure).

In process (d), the reagents are suitably combined at elevated temperature in an organic solvent (e.g. toluene) in the presence of a base (e.g. K₃PO₄) and a suitable catalyst {such as a copper (I) catalyst, e.g. [Cu(phen)(PPh₃)₂]NO₃} by analogy to the process described in Org. Lett., 6 (26), 5005-5008, 2004, (D. Venkataraman et al.) (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure).

In process (e), the reagents are suitably combined in an organic solvent such as a polar protic solvent (e.g. ethanol). Suitably, the solvent is removed and the remaining material is redissolved in an aprotic organic solvent (e.g. tetrahydrofuran) before addition of the reagent to facilitate ring closure. Exemplary reagents that facilitate ring closure include carbodiimides such as dialkylcarbodiimides or dicycloalkylcarbodiimides (e.g. dicyclohexylcarbodiimide). by analogy to the process described in Alex. J. Pharm. Sci, 18(2), 141-150, 2004, (Omar et al.) (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure). Another examplary reagent is tosylchloride by analogy to the process described in J. Org. Chem. asap article, September 2006, (Dolman et al.) (fully incorporated hereing by reference in its entirety for such disclosure). Compounds of formula (II), (III) and (III′) are either known or may be prepared by conventional methods known per se.

Therapeutic Uses

Physiological substrates of QC (EC) in mammals are, e.g. amyloid beta-peptides (3-40), (3-42), (11-40 and (11-42), ABri, ADan, Gastrin, Neurotensin, FPP, CCL 2, CCL 7, CCL 8, CCL 16, CCL 18, Fractalkine, Orexin A, [Gln³]-glucagon(3-29), [Gln⁵]-substance P(5-11) and the peptide QYNAD. For further details see table 1. The compounds and/or combinations according to the present invention and pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one inhibitor of QC (EC) are useful for the treatment of conditions that can be treated by modulation of QC activity.

TABLE 1 Amino acid sequences of physiological active peptides with an N-terminal glutamine residue, which are prone to be cyclized to final pGlu Peptide Amino acid sequence Function Abeta(1-42) Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser- Plays a role in Gly-Tyr-Glu-Val-His-His-Gln-Lys- neurodegeneration, e.g. in Leu-Val-Phe-Phe-Ala-Glu-Asp-Val- Alzheimer's Disease, Familial Gly-Ser-Asn-Lys-Gly-Ala-Ile-Ile- British Dementia, Familial Gly-Leu-Met-Val-Gly-Gly-Val-Val- Danish Dementia, Down Ile-Ala Syndrome Abeta(1-40) Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser- Plays a role in Gly-Tyr-Glu-Val-His-His-Gln-Lys- neurodegeneration, e.g. in Leu-Val-Phe-Phe-Ala-Glu-Asp-Val- Alzheimer's Disease, Familial Gly-Ser-Asn-Lys-Gly-Ala-Ile-Ile- British Dementia, Familial Gly-Leu-Met-Val-Gly-Gly-Val-Val Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome Abeta(3-42) Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser-Gly-Tyr- Plays a role in Glu-Val-His-His-Gln-Lys-Leu-Val- neurodegeneration, e.g. in Phe-Phe-Ala-Glu-Asp-Val-Gly-Ser- Alzheimer's Disease, Familial Asn-Lys-Gly-Ala-Ile-Ile-Gly-Leu- British Dementia, Familial Met-Val-Gly-Gly-Val-Val-Ile-Ala Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome Abeta(3-40) Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser-Gly-Tyr- Plays a role in Glu-Val-His-His-Gln-Lys-Leu-Val- neurodegeneration, e.g. in Phe-Phe-Ala-Glu-Asp-Val-Gly-Ser- Alzheimer's Disease, Familial Asn-Lys-Gly-Ala-Ile-Ile-Gly-Leu- British Dementia, Familial Met-Val-Gly-Gly-Val-Val Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome Abeta(11-42) Glu-Val-His-His-Gln-Lys-Leu-Val- Plays a role in Phe-Phe-Ala-Glu-Asp-Val-Gly-Ser- neurodegeneration, e.g. in Asn-Lys-Gly-Ala-Ile-Ile-Gly-Leu- Alzheimer's Disease, Familial Met-Val-Gly-Gly-Val-Val-Ile-Ala British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome Abeta(11-40) Glu-Val-His-His-Gln-Lys-Leu-Val- Plays a role in Phe-Phe-Ala-Glu-Asp-Val-Gly-Ser- neurodegeneration, e.g. in Asn-Lys-Gly-Ala-Ile-Ile-Gly-Leu- Alzheimer's Disease, Familial Met-Val-Gly-Gly-Val-Val British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome ABri EASNCFA IRHFENKFAV ETLIC Pyroglutamated form plays a SRTVKKNIIEEN role in Familial British Dementia ADan EASNCFA IRHFENKFAV ETLIC Pyroglutamated form plays a FNLFLNSQEKHY role in Familial Danish Dementia Gastrin 17 QGPWL EEEEEAYGWM DF Gastrin stimulates the stomach Swiss-Prot: (amide) mucosa to produce and secrete P01350 hydrochloric acid and the pancreas to secrete its digestive enzymes. It also stimulates smooth muscle contraction and increases blood circulation and water secretion in the stomach and intestine. Neurotensin QLYENKPRRP YIL Neurotensin plays an endocrine Swiss-Prot: or paracrine role in the P30990 regulation of fat metabolism. It causes contraction of smooth muscle. FPP QEP amide A tripeptide related to thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH), is found in seminal plasma. Recent evidence obtained in vitro and in vivo showed that FPP plays an important role in regulating sperm fertility. TRH QHP amide TRH functions as a regulator of Swiss-Prot: the biosynthesis of TSH in the P20396 anterior pituitary gland and as a neurotransmitter/ neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous systems. GnRH QHWSYGL RP(G) amide Stimulates the secretion of Swiss-Prot: gonadotropins; it stimulates the P01148 secretion of both luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. CCL16 (small QPKVPEW VNTPSTCCLK Shows chemotactic activity for inducible YYEKVLPRRL VVGYRKALNC lymphocytes and monocytes cytokine A16) HLPAIIFVTK RNREVCTNPN but not neutrophils. Also shows Swiss-Prot: DDWVQEYIKD PNLPLLPTRN potent myelosuppressive O15467 LSTVKIITAK NGQPQLLNSQ activity, suppresses proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells. Recombinant SCYA16 shows chemotactic activity for monocytes and THP-1 monocytes, but not for resting lymphocytes and neutrophils. Induces a calcium flux in THP-1 cells that were desensitized by prior expression to RANTES. CCL8 (small QPDSVSI PITCCFNVIN Chemotactic factor that attracts inducible RKIPIQRLES YTRITNIQCP monocytes, lymphocytes, cytokine A8) KEAVIFKTKR GKEVCADPKE basophils and eosinophils. May Swiss-Prot: RWVRDSMKHL DQIFQNLKP play a role in neoplasia and P80075 inflammatory host responses. This protein can bind heparin. CCL2 (small QPDAINA PVTCCYNFTN Chemotactic factor that attracts inducible RKISVQRLAS YRRITSSKCP monocytes and basophils but cytokine A2) KEAVIFKTIV AKEICADPKQ not neutrophils or eosinophils. Swiss-Prot: KWVQDSMDHL DKQTQTPKT Augments monocyte anti-tumor P13500 activity. Has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized by monocytic infiltrates, like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or atherosclerosis. May be involved in the recruitment of monocytes into the arterial wall during the disease process of atherosclerosis. Binds to CCR2 and CCR4. CCL18 (small QVGTNKELC CLVYTSWQIP Chemotactic factor that attracts inducible QKFIVDYSET SPQCPKPGVI lymphocytes but not monocytes cytokine A18) LLTKRGRQIC ADPNKKWVQK or granulocytes. May be Swiss-Prot: YISDLKLNA involved in B cell migration into P55774 B cell follicles in lymph nodes. Attracts naive T lymphocytes toward dendritic cells and activated macrophages in lymph nodes, has chemotactic activity for naive T cells, CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and thus may play a role in both humoral and cell-mediated immunity responses. Fractalkine QHHGVT KCNITCSKMT The soluble form is chemotactic (neurotactin) SKIPVALLIH YQQNQASCGK for T cells and monocytes, but Swiss-Prot: RAIILETRQH RLFCADPKEQ not for neutrophils. The P78423 WVKDAMQHLD RQAAALTRNG membrane-bound form GTFEKQIGEV KPRTTPAAGG promotes adhesion of those MDESVVLEPE ATGESSSLEP leukocytes to endothelial cells. TPSSQEAQRA LGTSPELPTG May play a role in regulating VTGSSGTRLP PTPKAQDGGP leukocyte adhesion and VGTELFRVPP VSTAATWQSS migration processes at the APHQPGPSLW AEAKTSEAPS endothelium binds to CX3CR1. TQDPSTQAST ASSPAPEENA PSEGQRVWGQ GQSPRPENSL EREEMGPVPA HTDAFQDWGP GSMAHVSVVP VSSEGTPSRE PVASGSWTPK AEEPIHATMD PQRLGVLITP VPDAQAATRR QAVGLLAFLG LLFCLGVAMF TYQSLQGCPR KMAGEMAEGL RYIPRSCGSN SYVLVPV CCL7 (small QPVGINT STTCCYRFIN Chemotactic factor that attracts inducible KKIPKQRLES YRRTTSSHCP monocytes and eosinophils, but cytokine A7) REAVIFKTKL DKEICADPTQ not neutrophils. Augments Swiss-Prot: KWVQDFMKHL DKKTQTPKL monocyte anti-tumor activity. P80098 Also induces the release of gelatinase B. This protein can bind heparin. Binds to CCCR1, CCR2 and CCR3. Orexin A QPLPDCCRQK TCSCRLYELL Neuropeptide that plays a (Hypocretin-1) HGAGNHAAGI LTL significant role in the regulation Swiss-Prot of food intake and sleep- O43612 wakefulness, possibly by coordinating the complex behavioral and physiologic responses of these complementary homeostatic functions. It plays also a broader role in the homeostatic regulation of energy metabolism, autonomic function, hormonal balance and the regulation of body fluids. Orexin-A binds to both OX1R and OX2R with a high affinity. Substance P RPK PQQFFGLM Belongs to the tachykinins. Tachykinins are active peptides which excite neurons, evoke behavioral responses, are potent vasodilators and secretagogues, and contract (directly or indirectly) many smooth muscles. QYNAD Gln-Tyr-Asn-Ala-Asp Acts on voltage-gated sodium channels.

Glutamate is found in positions 3, 11 and 22 of the amyloid β-peptide. Among them the mutation from glutamic acid (E) to glutamine (Q) in position 22 (corresponding to amyloid precursor protein APP 693, Swissprot P05067) has been described as the so called Dutch type cerebroarterial amyloidosis mutation.

The β-amyloid peptides with a pyroglutamic acid residue in position 3, 11 and/or 22 have been described to be more cytotoxic and hydrophobic than the amyloid β-peptides 1-40(42/43) (Saido T.C. 2000 Medical Hypotheses 54(3): 427-429).

The multiple N-terminal variations, e.g. Abeta(3-40), Abeta(3-42), Abeta(11-40) and Abeta (11-42) can be generated by the β-secretase enzyme β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme (BACE) at different sites (Huse J. T. et al. 2002 J. Biol. Chem. 277 (18): 16278-16284), and/or by aminopeptidase or dipeptidylaminopeptidase processing from the full length peptides Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42). In all cases, cyclization of the then N-terminal occurring glutamic acid residue is catalyzed by QC.

Transepithelial transducing cells, particularly the gastrin (G) cell, co-ordinate gastric acid secretion with the arrival of food in the stomach. Recent work showed that multiple active products are generated from the gastrin precursor, and that there are multiple control points in gastrin biosynthesis. Biosynthetic precursors and intermediates (progastrin and Gly-gastrins) are putative growth factors; their products, the amidated gastrins, regulate epithelial cell proliferation, the differentiation of acid-producing parietal cells and histamine-secreting enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells, and the expression of genes associated with histamine synthesis and storage in ECL cells, as well as acutely stimulating acid secretion. Gastrin also stimulates the production of members of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, which in turn inhibit parietal cell function but stimulate the growth of surface epithelial cells. Plasma gastrin concentrations are elevated in subjects with Helicobacter pylori, who are known to have increased risk of duodenal ulcer disease and gastric cancer (Dockray, G. J. 1999 J Physiol 15 315-324).

The peptide hormone gastrin, released from antral G cells, is known to stimulate the synthesis and release of histamine from ECL cells in the oxyntic mucosa via CCK-2 receptors. The mobilized histamine induces acid secretion by binding to the H(2) receptors located on parietal cells. Recent studies suggest that gastrin, in both its fully amidated and less processed forms (progastrin and glycine-extended gastrin), is also a growth factor for the gastrointestinal tract. It has been established that the major trophic effect of amidated gastrin is for the oxyntic mucosa of stomach, where it causes increased proliferation of gastric stem cells and ECL cells, resulting in increased parietal and ECL cell mass. On the other hand, the major trophic target of the less processed gastrin (e.g. glycine-extended gastrin) appears to be the colonic mucosa (Koh, T. J. and Chen, D. 2000 Regul Pept 9337-44).

Neurotensin (NT) is a neuropeptide implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia that specifically modulates neurotransmitter systems previously demonstrated to be misregulated in this disorder. Clinical studies in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NT concentrations have been measured revealed a subset of schizophrenic patients with decreased CSF NT concentrations that are restored by effective antipsychotic drug treatment. Considerable evidence also exists concordant with the involvement of NT systems in the mechanism of action of antipsychotic drugs. The behavioral and biochemical effects of centrally administered NT remarkably resemble those of systemically administered antipsychotic drugs, and antipsychotic drugs increase NT neurotransmission. This concatenation of findings led to the hypothesis that NT functions as an endogenous antipsychotic. Moreover, typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs differentially alter NT neurotransmission in nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine terminal regions, and these effects are predictive of side effect liability and efficacy, respectively (Binder, E. B. et al. 2001 Biol Psychiatry 50 856-872).

Fertilization promoting peptide (FPP), a tripeptide related to thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH), is found in seminal plasma. Recent evidence obtained in vitro and in vivo showed that FPP plays an important role in regulating sperm fertility. Specifically, FPP initially stimulates nonfertilizing (uncapacitated) spermatozoa to “switch on” and become fertile more quickly, but then arrests capacitation so that spermatozoa do not undergo spontaneous acrosome loss and therefore do not lose fertilizing potential. These responses are mimicked, and indeed augmented, by adenosine, known to regulate the adenylyl cyclase (AC)/cAMP signal transduction pathway. Both FPP and adenosine have been shown to stimulate cAMP production in uncapacitated cells but inhibit it in capacitated cells, with FPP receptors somehow interacting with adenosine receptors and G proteins to achieve regulation of AC. These events affect the tyrosine phosphorylation state of various proteins, some being important in the initial “switching on,” others possibly being involved in the acrosome reaction itself. Calcitonin and angiotensin 11, also found in seminal plasma, have similar effects in vitro on uncapacitated spermatozoa and can augment responses to FPP. These molecules have similar effects in vivo, affecting fertility by stimulating and then maintaining fertilizing potential. Either reductions in the availability of FPP, adenosine, calcitonin, and angiotensin 11 or defects in their receptors contribute to male infertility (Fraser, L. R. and Adeoya-Osiguwa, S. A. 2001 Vitam Horm 63, 1-28).

CCL2, CCL7, CCL8, CCL16, CCL18 and fractalkine play an important role in pathophysiological conditions, such as suppression of proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells, neoplasia, inflammatory host responses, cancer, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, vasculitis, humoral and cell-mediated immunity responses, leukocyte adhesion and migration processes at the endothelium, inflammatory bowel disease, restenosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertention, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, nephrosclerosis, ventricular remodeling, heart failure, arteriopathy after organ transplantations and failure of vein grafts.

Several cytotoxic T lymphocyte peptide-based vaccines against hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus and melanoma were recently studied in clinical trials. One interesting melanoma vaccine candidate alone or in combination with other tumor antigens, is the decapeptide ELA. This peptide is a Melan-A/MART-1 antigen immunodominant peptide analog, with an N-terminal glutamic acid. It has been reported that the amino group and gamma-carboxylic group of glutamic acids, as well as the amino group and gamma-carboxamide group of glutamines, condense easily to form pyroglutamic derivatives. To overcome this stability problem, several peptides of pharmaceutical interest have been developed with a pyroglutamic acid instead of N-terminal glutamine or glutamic acid, without loss of pharmacological properties. Unfortunately compared with ELA, the pyroglutamic acid derivative (PyrELA) and also the N-terminal acetyl-capped derivative (AcELA) failed to elicit cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. Despite the apparent minor modifications introduced in PyrELA and AcELA, these two derivatives probably have lower affinity than ELA for the specific class I major histocompatibility complex. Consequently, in order to conserve full activity of ELA, the formation of PyrELA must be avoided (Beck A. et al. 2001, J Pept Res 57(6):528-38.).

Orexin A is a neuropeptide that plays a significant role in the regulation of food intake and sleep-wakefulness, possibly by coordinating the complex behavioral and physiologic responses of these complementary homeostatic functions. It plays also a role in the homeostatic regulation of energy metabolism, autonomic function, hormonal balance and the regulation of body fluids.

Recently, increased levels of the pentapeptide QYNAD were identified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome compared to healthy individuals (Brinkmeier H. et al. 2000, Nature Medicine 6, 808-811). There is a big controversy in the literature about the mechanism of action of the pentapeptide Gln-Tyr-Asn-Ala-Asp (QYNAD), especially its efficacy to interact with and block sodium channels resulting in the promotion of axonal dysfunction, which are involved in inflammatory autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. But recently, it could be demonstrated that not QYNAD, but its cyclized, pyroglutamated form, pEYNAD, is the active form, which blocks sodium channels resulting in the promotion of axonal dysfunction. Sodium channels are expressed at high density in myelinated axons and play an obligatory role in conducting action potentials along axons within the mammalian brain and spinal cord. Therefore, it is speculated that they are involved in several aspects of the pathophysiology of inflammatory autoimmune diseases, especially multiple sclerosis, the Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinizing polyradiculoneuropathy.

Furthermore, QYNAD is a substrate of the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5), which is also present in the brain of mammals, especially in human brain. Glutaminyl cyclase catalyzes effectively the formation of pEYNAD from its precursor QYNAD.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the use of the compounds of formula (I), without the provisos, for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or alleviation or treatment of a disease selected from the group consisting of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Familial British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome, Huntington's disease, Kennedy's disease, ulcer disease, duodenal cancer with or w/o Helicobacter pylori infections, colorectal cancer, Zolliger-Ellison syndrome, gastric cancer with or without Helicobacter pylori infections, pathogenic psychotic conditions, schizophrenia, infertility, neoplasia, inflammatory host responses, cancer, malign metastasis, melanoma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, impaired humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, leukocyte adhesion and migration processes in the endothelium, impaired food intake, impaired sleep-wakefulness, impaired homeostatic regulation of energy metabolism, impaired autonomic function, impaired hormonal balance or impaired regulation of body fluids, multiple sclerosis, the Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinizing polyradiculoneuropathy.

Furthermore, by administration of a compound according to the present invention to a mammal it can be possible to stimulate the proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells.

In addition, the administration of a QC inhibitor according to the present invention can lead to suppression of male fertility.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides the use of inhibitors of QC (EC) activity in combination with other agents, especially for the treatment of neuronal diseases, artherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis.

The present invention also provides a method of treatment of the aforementioned diseases comprising the administration of a therapeutically active amount of at least one compound of formula (I), without the provisos, to a mammal, preferably a human.

Most preferably, said method and corresponding uses are for the treatment of a disease selected from the group consisting of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Familial British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia, Down Syndrome, Parkinson disease and Chorea Huntington, comprising the administration of a therapeutically active amount of at least one compound of formula (I), without the provisos, to a mammal, preferably a human.

Even preferably, the present invention provides a method of treatment and corresponding uses for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or atherosclerosis.

Even preferably, the present invention provides a method of treatment and corresponding uses for the treatment of pancreatitis and restenosis.

Pharmaceutical Combinations

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a composition, preferably a pharmaceutical composition, comprising at least one QC inhibitor optionally in combination with at least one other agent selected from the group consisting of nootropic agents, neuroprotectants, antiparkinsonian drugs, amyloid protein deposition inhibitors, beta amyloid synthesis inhibitors, antidepressants, anxiolytic drugs, antipsychotic drugs and anti-multiple sclerosis drugs.

Most preferably, said QC inhibitor is a compound of formula (I) of the present invention, without the provisos.

More specifically, the aforementioned other agent is selected from the group consisting PEP-inhibitors, LiCl, inhibitors of dipeptidyl aminopeptidases, preferably inhibitors of DP IV or DP IV-like enzymes; acetylcholinesterase (ACE) inhibitors, PIMT enhancers, inhibitors of beta secretases, inhibitors of gamma secretases, inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase, inhibitors of Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4), TNFalpha inhibitors, muscarinic M1 receptor antagonists, NMDA receptor antagonists, sigma-1 receptor inhibitors, histamine H3 antagonists, immunomodulatory agents, immunosuppressive agents or an agent selected from the group consisting of antegren (natalizumab), Neurelan (fampridine-SR), campath (alemtuzumab), IR 208, NBI 5788/MSP 771 (tiplimotide), paclitaxel, Anergix.MS (AG 284), SH636, Differin (CD 271, adapalene), BAY 361677 (interleukin-4), matrix-metalloproteinase-inhibitors (e.g. BB 76163), interferon-tau (trophoblastin) and SAIK-MS.

Further, the aforementioned other agent may be selected from the group consisting of enhancers of the activity of neutral endopeptidase, beta-amyloid antibodies, cysteine protease inhibitors and MCP-1 antagonists.

Furthermore, the other agent may be, for example, an anti-anxiety drug or antidepressant selected from the group consisting of

-   -   (a) Benzodiazepines, e.g. alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide,         clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, fludiazepam,         loflazepate, lorazepam, methaqualone, oxazepam, prazepam,         tranxene,     -   (b) Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's), e.g.         citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, escitalopram, sertraline,         paroxetine,     -   (c) Tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. amitryptiline, clomipramine,         desipramine, doxepin, imipramine     -   (d) Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors,     -   (e) Azapirones, e.g. buspirone, tandopsirone,     -   (f) Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI's), e.g.         venlafaxine, duloxetine,     -   (g) Mirtazapine,     -   (h) Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRI's), e.g. reboxetine,     -   (i) Bupropione,     -   (j) Nefazodone,     -   (k) beta-blockers,     -   (l) NPY-receptor ligands: NPY agonists or antagonists.

In a further embodiment, the other agent may be, for example, an anti-multiple sclerosis drug selected from the group consisting of

-   -   a) dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors, e.g. SC-12267,         teriflunomide, MNA-715, HMR-1279 (syn. to HMR-1715, MNA-279),     -   b) autoimmune suppressant, e.g. laquinimod,     -   c) paclitaxel,     -   d) antibodies, e.g. AGT-1, anti-granulocyte-macrophage         colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) monoclonal antibody, Nogo         receptor modulators, ABT-874, alemtuzumab (CAMPATH), anti-OX40         antibody, CNTO-1275, DN-1921, natalizumab (syn. to AN-100226,         Antegren, VLA-4 Mab), daclizumab (syn. to Zenepax, Ro-34-7375,         SMART anti-Tac), J-695, priliximab (syn. to Centara, CEN-000029,         cM-T412), MRA, Dantes, anti-IL-12-antibody,     -   e) peptide nucleic acid (PNA) preparations, e.g. reticulose,     -   f) interferon alpha, e.g. Alfaferone, human alpha interferon         (syn. to Omniferon, Alpha Leukoferon),     -   g) interferon beta, e.g. Frone, interferon beta-1a like Avonex,         Betron (Rebif), interferon beta analogs, interferon         beta-transferrin fusion protein, recombinant interferon beta-1b         like Betaseron,     -   h) interferon tau,     -   i) peptides, e.g. AT-008, AnergiX.MS, Immunokine         (alpha-Immunokine-NNSO3), cyclic peptides like ZD-7349,     -   j) therapeutic enzymes, e.g. soluble CD8 (sCD8),     -   k) multiple sclerosis-specific autoantigen-encoding plasmid and         cytokine-encoding plasmid, e.g. BHT-3009;     -   l) inhibitor of TNF-alpha, e.g. BLX-1002, thalidomide, SH-636,     -   m) TNF antagonists, e.g. solimastat, lenercept (syn. to         RO-45-2081, Tenefuse), onercept (sTNFR1), CC-1069,     -   n) TNF alpha, e.g. etanercept (syn. to Enbrel, TNR-001)     -   o) CD28 antagonists, e.g. abatacept,     -   p) Lck tyrosine kinase inhibitors,     -   q) cathepsin K inhibitors,     -   r) analogs of the neuron-targeting membrane transporter protein         taurine and the plant-derived calpain inhibitor leupeptin, e.g.         Neurodur,     -   s) chemokine receptor-1 (CCR1) antagonist, e.g. BX-471,     -   t) CCR2 antagonists,     -   u) AMPA receptor antagonists, e.g. ER-167288-01 and ER-099487,         E-2007, talampanel,     -   v) potassium channel blockers, e.g. fampridine,     -   w) tosyl-proline-phenylalanine small-molecule antagonists of the         VLA-4/VCAM interaction, e.g. TBC-3342,     -   x) cell adhesion molecule inhibitors, e.g. TBC-772,     -   y) antisense oligonucleotides, e.g. EN-101,     -   z) antagonists of free immunoglobulin light chain (IgLC) binding         to mast cell receptors, e.g. F-991,     -   aa) apoptosis inducing antigenes, e.g. Apogen MS,     -   bb) alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, e.g. tizanidine (syn. to         Zanaflex, Ternelin, Sirdalvo, Sirdalud, Mionidine),     -   cc) copolymer of L-tyrosine, L-lysine, L-glutamic acid and         L-alanine, e.g. glatiramer acetate (syn. to Copaxone, COP-1,         copolymer-),     -   dd) topoisomerase II modulators, e.g. mitoxantrone         hydrochloride,     -   ee) adenosine deaminase inhibitor, e.g. cladribine (syn. to         Leustatin, Mylinax, RWJ-26251),     -   ff) interlaukin-10, e.g. ilodecakin (syn. to Tenovil, Sch-52000,         CSIF),     -   gg) interleukin-12 antagonists, e.g. lisofylline (syn. to         CT-1501R, LSF, lysofylline),     -   hh) Ethanaminum, e.g. SRI-62-834 (syn. to CRC-8605, NSC-614383),     -   ii) immunomodulators, e.g. SAIK-MS, PNU-156804,         alpha-fetoprotein peptide (AFP), IPDS,     -   jj) retinoid receptor agonists, e.g. adapalene (syn. to         Differin, CD-271),     -   kk) TGF-beta, e.g. GDF-1 (growth and differentiation factor 1),     -   ll) TGF-beta-2, e.g. BetaKine,     -   mm) MMP inhibitors, e.g. glycomed,     -   nn) phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, e.g. RPR-122818,     -   oo) purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitors, e.g.         9-(3-pyridylmethyl)-9-deazaguanine, peldesine (syn. to BCX-34,         TO-200),     -   pp) alpha-4/beta-1 integrin antagonists, e.g. ISIS-104278,     -   qq) antisense alpha4 integrin (CD49d), e.g. ISIS-17044,         ISIS-27104,     -   m) cytokine-inducing agents, e.g. nucleosides, ICN-17261,     -   ss) cytokine inhibitors,     -   tt) heat shock protein vaccines, e.g. HSPPC-96,     -   uu) neuregulin growth factors, e.g. GGF-2 (syn. to neuregulin,         glial growth factor 2),     -   vv) cathepsin S-inhibitors,     -   ww) bropirimine analogs, e.g. PNU-56169, PNU-63693,     -   xx) Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 inhibitors, e.g.         benzimidazoles like MCP-1 inhibitors, LKS-1456, PD-064036,         PD-064126, PD-084486, PD-172084, PD-172386.

Further, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions e.g. for parenteral, enteral or oral administration, comprising at least one QC inhibitor of formula (I), without the provisos, optionally in combination with at least one of the other aforementioned agents.

These combinations provide a particularly beneficial effect. Such combinations are therefore shown to be effective and useful for the treatment of the aforementioned diseases. Accordingly, the invention provides a method for the treatment of these conditions.

The method comprises either co-administration of at least one QC inhibitor of formula (I), without the provisos, and at least one of the other agents or the sequential administration thereof.

Co-administration includes administration of a formulation, which comprises at least one QC inhibitor of formula (I), without the provisos, and at least one of the other agents or the essentially simultaneous administration of separate formulations of each agent.

Examples of suitable PIMT enhancers are 10-aminoaliphatyl-dibenz[b, f] oxepines described in WO 98/15647 and WO 03/057204, respectively (fully incorporated hereing by reference in their entireties for such disclosure). Further useful according to the present invention are modulators of PIMT activity described in WO 2004/039773 (fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for such disclosure).

Inhibitors of beta secretase and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in WO03/059346, WO2006/099352, WO2006/078576, WO2006/060109, WO2006/057983, WO2006/057945, WO2006/055434, WO2006/044497, WO2006/034296, WO2006/034277, WO2006/029850, WO2006/026204, WO2006/014944, WO2006/014762, WO2006/002004, U.S. Pat. No. 7,109,217, WO2005/113484, WO2005/103043, WO2005/103020, WO2005/065195, WO2005/051914, WO2005/044830, WO2005/032471, WO2005/018545, WO2005/004803, WO2005/004802, WO2004/062625, WO2004/043916, WO2004/013098, WO03/099202, WO03/043987, WO03/039454, U.S. Pat. No. 6,562,783, WO02/098849 and WO02/096897 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosure).

Suitable examples of beta secretase inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are WY-25105 (Wyeth); Posiphen, (+)-phenserine (TorreyPines/NIH); LSN-2434074, LY-2070275, LY-2070273, LY-2070102 (Eli Lilly & Co.); PNU-159775A, PNU-178025A, PNU-17820A, PNU-33312, PNU-38773, PNU-90530 (Elan/Pfizer); KMI-370, KMI-358, kmi-008 (Kyoto University); OM-99-2, OM-003 (Athenagen Inc.); AZ-12304146 (AstraZeneca/Astex); GW-840736X (GlaxoSmithKline plc.) and DNP-004089 (De Novo Pharmaceuticals Ltd.).

Inhibitors of gamma secretase and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in WO2005/008250, WO2006/004880, U.S. Pat. No. 7,122,675, U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,239, U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,081, U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,264, WO2005/097768, WO2005/028440, WO2004/101562, U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,511, U.S. Pat. No. 6,683,091, WO03/066592, WO03/014075, WO03/013527, WO02/36555, WO01/53255, U.S. Pat. No. 7,109,217, U.S. Pat. No. 7,101,895, U.S. Pat. No. 7,049,296, U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,182, U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,626, WO2005/040126, WO2005/030731, WO2005/014553, U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,956, EP 1334085, EP 1263774, WO2004/101538, WO2004/00958, WO2004/089911, WO2004/073630, WO2004/069826, WO2004/039370, WO2004/031139, WO2004/031137, U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,276, U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,449, WO03/091278, U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,196, U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,229, WO01/77144 and WO01/66564 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosure).

Suitable gamma secretase inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are GSI-953, WAY-GSI-A, WAY-GSI-B (Wyeth); MK-0752, MRK-560, L-852505, L-685-458, L-852631, L-852646 (Merck & Co. Inc.); LY-450139, LY-411575, AN-37124 (Eli Lilly & Co.); BMS-299897, BMS-433796 (Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.); E-2012 (Eisai Co. Ltd.); EHT-0206, EHT-206 (ExonHit Therapeutics SA); and NGX-555 (TorreyPines Therapeutics Inc.).

Suitable beta amyloid synthesis inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are for example Bisnorcymserine (Axonyx Inc.); (R)-flurbiprofen (MCP-7869; Flurizan) (Myriad Genetics); nitroflurbiprofen (NicOx); BGC-20-0406 (Sankyo Co. Ltd.) and BGC-20-0466 (BTG plc.).

Suitable amyloid protein deposition inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are for example SP-233 (Samaritan Pharmaceuticals); AZD-103 (Ellipsis Neurotherapeutics Inc.); AAB-001 (Bapineuzumab), AAB-002, ACC-001 (Elan Corp plc.); Colostrinin (ReGen Therapeutics plc.); AdPEDI-(amyloid-beta1-6)11) (Vaxin Inc.); MPI-127585, MPI-423948 (Mayo Foundation); SP-08 (Georgetown University); ACU-5A5 (Acumen/Merck); Transthyretin (State University of New York); PTI-777, DP-74, DP 68, Exebryl (ProteoTech Inc.); m266 (Eli Lilly & Co.); EGb-761 (Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH); SPI-014 (Satori Pharmaceuticals Inc.); ALS-633, ALS-499 (Advanced Life Sciences Inc.); AGT-160 (ArmaGen Technologies Inc.); TAK-070 (Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.); CHF-5022, CHF-5074, CHF-5096 and CHF-5105 (Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA.).

Suitable PDE-4 inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are for example Doxofylline (Instituto Biologico Chemioterapica ABC SpA.); idudilast eye drops, tipelukast, ibudilast (Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.); theophylline (Elan Corp.); cilomilast (GlaxoSmithKline plc.); Atopik (Barrier Therapeutics Inc.); tofimilast, CI-1044, PD-189659, CP-220629, PDE 4d inhibitor BHN (Pfizer Inc.); arofylline, LAS-37779 (Almirall Prodesfarma SA.); roflumilast, hydroxypumafentrine (Altana AG), tetomilast (Otska Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.); CC-10004 (Celgene Corp.); HT-0712, IPL-4088 (Inflazyme Pharmaceuticals Ltd.); MEM-1414, MEM-1917 (Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp.); oglemilast, GRC-4039 (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.); AWD-12-281, ELB-353, ELB-526 (Elbion AG); EHT-0202 (ExonHit Therapeutics SA.); ND-1251 (Neuro3d SA.); 4AZA-PDE4 (4 AZA Bioscience NV.); AVE-8112 (Sanofi-Aventis); CR-3465 (Rottapharm SpA.); GP-0203, NCS-613 (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); KF-19514 (Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co. Ltd.); ONO-6126 (Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.); OS-0217 (Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.); IBFB-130011, IBFB-150007, IBFB-130020, IBFB-140301 (IBFB Pharma GmbH); IC-485 (ICOS Corp.); RBx-14016 and RBx-11082 (Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.). A preferred PDE-4-inhibitor is Rolipram.

MAO inhibitors and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in WO2006/091988, WO2005/007614, WO2004/089351, WO01/26656, WO01/12176, WO99/57120, WO99/57119, WO99/13878, WO98/40102, WO98/01157, WO96/20946, WO94/07890 and WO92/21333 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosure).

Suitable MAO-inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are for example Linezolid (Pharmacia Corp.); RWJ-416457 (RW Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute); budipine (Altana AG); GPX-325 (BioResearch Ireland); isocarboxazid; phenelzine; tranylcypromine; indantadol (Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA.); moclobemide (Roche Holding AG); SL-25.1131 (Sanofi-Synthelabo); CX-1370 (Burroughs Wellcome Co.); CX-157 (Krenitsky Pharmaceuticals Inc.); desoxypeganine (HF Arzneimittelforschung GmbH & Co. KG); bifemelane (Mitsubishi-Tokyo Pharmaceuticals Inc.); RS-1636 (Sankyo Co. Ltd.); esuprone (BASF AG); rasagiline (Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.); ladostigil (Hebrew University of Jerusalem); safinamide (Pfizer) and NW-1048 (Newron Pharmaceuticals SpA.).

Suitable histamine H3 antagonists for the purpose of the present invention are, e.g. A-331440, A-349821 (Abbott Laboratories); 3874-H1 (Aventis Pharma); UCL-2173 (Berlin Free University), UCL-1470 (BioProjet, Societe Civile de Recherche); DWP-302 (Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co Ltd); GSK-189254A, GSK-207040A (GlaxoSmithKline Inc.); cipralisant, GT-2203 (Gliatech Inc.); 1S,2S)-2-(2-Aminoethyl)-1-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)cyclopropane (Hokkaido University); JNJ-5207852 (Johnson & Johnson); NNC-0038-0000-1049 (Novo Nordisk A/S); and Sch-79687 (Schering-Plough).

PEP inhibitors and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in JP 01042465, JP 03031298, JP 04208299, WO 00/71144, U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,155; JP 09040693, JP 10077300, JP 05331072, JP 05015314, WO 95/15310, WO 93/00361, EP 0556482, JP 06234693, JP 01068396, EP 0709373, U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,556, U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,763, U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,311, JP 63264454, JP 64000069, JP 63162672, EP 0268190, EP 0277588, EP 0275482, U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,180, U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,406, U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,624, U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,847, U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,904, U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,550, U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,431, U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,832, U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,380, EP 0303434, JP 03056486, JP 01143897, JP 1226880, EP 0280956, U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,537, EP 0461677, EP 0345428, JP 02275858, U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,256, JP 06192298, EP 0618193, JP 03255080, EP 0468469, U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,811, JP 05025125, WO 9313065, JP 05201970, WO 9412474, EP 0670309, EP 0451547, JP 06339390, U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,549, U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,349, EP 0268281, U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,616, EP 0232849, EP 0224272, JP 62114978, JP 62114957, U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,083, U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,721, U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,458, U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,870, EP 0201742, EP 0201741, U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,342, EP 0172458, JP 61037764, EP 0201743, U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,587, EP 0372484, U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,604, WO 91/18877, JP 04009367, JP 04235162, U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,950, WO 95/01352, JP 01250370, JP 02207070, U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,752, EP 0468339, JP 04211648, WO 99/46272, WO 2006/058720 and PCT/EP2006/061428 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosure).

Suitable prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are, e.g. Fmoc-Ala-Pyrr-CN, Z-Phe-Pro-Benzothiazole (Probiodrug), Z-321 (Zeria Pharmaceutical Co Ltd.); ONO-1603 (Ono Pharmaceutical Co Ltd); JTP-4819 (Japan Tobacco Inc.) and S-17092 (Servier).

Suitable examples of beta-amyloid antibodies are ACU-5A5, huC091 (Acumen/Merck); PF-4360365, RI-1014, RI-1219, RI-409, RN-1219 (Rinat Neuroscience Corp (Pfizer Inc)); the nanobody therapeutics of Ablynx/Boehringer Ingelheim; beta-amyloid-specific humanized monoclonal antibodies of Intellect Neurosciences/IBL; m266, m266.2 (Eli Lilly & Co.); AAB-02 (Elan); bapineuzumab (Elan); BAN-2401 (Bioarctic Neuroscience AB); ABP-102 (Abiogen Pharma SpA); BA-27, BC-05 (Takeda); R-1450 (Roche); ESBA-212 (ESBATech AG); AZD-3102 (AstraZeneca) and beta-amyloid antibodies of Mindset BioPharmaceuticals Inc.

Suitable cysteine protease inhibitors are inhibitors of cathepsin B. Inhibitors of cathepsin B and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in WO 2006/060473, WO 2006/042103, WO 2006/039807, WO 2006/021413, WO 2006/021409, WO 2005/097103, WO 2005/007199, WO2004/084830, WO 2004/078908, WO 2004/026851, WO 2002/094881, WO 2002/027418, WO 2002/021509, WO 1998/046559, WO 1996/021655 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosure).

MCP-1 antagonists may, e.g. be selected from anti-MCP-1 antibodies, preferably monoclonal or humanized monoclonal antibodies, MCP-1 expression inhibitors, CCR2-antagonists, TNF-alpha inhibitors, VCAM-1 gene expression inhibitors and anti-C5a monoclonal antibodies.

MCP-1 antagonists and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in WO02/070509, WO02/081463, WO02/060900, US2006/670364, US2006/677365, WO2006/097624, US2006/316449, WO2004/056727, WO03/053368, WO00/198289, WO00/157226, WO00/046195, WO00/046196, WO00/046199, WO00/046198, WO00/046197, WO99/046991, WO99/007351, WO98/006703, WO97/012615, WO2005/105133, WO03/037376, WO2006/125202, WO2006/085961, WO2004/024921, WO2006/074265 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosure).

Suitable MCP-1 antagonists are, for instance, C-243 (Telik Inc.); NOX-E36 (Noxxon Pharma AG); AP-761 (Actimis Pharmaceuticals Inc.); ABN-912, NIBR-177 (Novartis AG); CC-11006 (Celgene Corp.); SSR-150106 (Sanofi-Aventis); MLN-1202 (Millenium Pharmaceuticals Inc.); AGI-1067, AGIX-4207, AGI-1096 (AtherioGenics Inc.); PRS-211095, PRS-211092 (Pharmos Corp.); anti-C5a monoclonal antibodies, e.g. neutrazumab (G2 Therapies Ltd.); AZD-6942 (AstraZeneca plc.); 2-mercaptoimidazoles (Johnson & Johnson); TEI-E00526, TEI-6122 (Deltagen); RS-504393 (Roche Holding AG); SB-282241, SB-380732, ADR-7 (GlaxoSmithKline); anti-MCP-1 monoclonal antibodies(Johnson & Johnson).

Combinations of QC-inhibitors with MCP-1 antagonists may be useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in general, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Combinations of QC-inhibitors with MCP-1 antagonists are preferred for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Other suitable compounds that can be used according to the present invention in combination with QC-inhibitors are NPY, a NPY mimetic or a NPY agonist or antagonist or a ligand of the NPY receptors.

Preferred according to the present invention are antagonists of the NPY receptors.

Suitable ligands or antagonists of the NPY receptors are 3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-1 h-benz[e]indol-2-yl amine-derived compounds as disclosed in WO 00/68197 (fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for such disclosure).

NPY receptor antagonists which may be mentioned include those disclosed in European patent applications EP 0 614 911, EP 0 747 357, EP 0 747 356 and EP 0 747 378; international patent applications WO 94/17035, WO 97/19911, WO 97/19913, WO 96/12489, WO 97/19914, WO 96/22305, WO 96/40660, WO 96/12490, WO 97/09308, WO 97/20820, WO 97/20821, WO 97/20822, WO 97/20823, WO 97/19682, WO 97/25041, WO 97/34843, WO 97/46250, WO 98/03492, WO 98/03493, WO 98/03494 and WO 98/07420; WO 00/30674, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,552,411, 5,663,192 and 5,567,714; 6,114,336, Japanese patent application JP 09157253; international patent applications WO 94/00486, WO 93/12139, WO 95/00161 and WO 99/15498; U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,899; German patent application DE 393 97 97; European patent applications EP 355 794 and EP 355 793; and Japanese patent applications JP 06116284 and JP 07267988. Preferred NPY antagonists include those compounds that are specifically disclosed in these patent documents. More preferred compounds include amino acid and non-peptide-based NPY antagonists. Amino acid and non-peptide-based NPY antagonists which may be mentioned include those disclosed in European patent applications EP 0 614 911, EP 0 747 357, EP 0 747 356 and EP 0 747 378; international patent applications WO 94/17035, WO 97/19911, WO 97/19913, WO 96/12489, WO 97/19914, WO 96/22305, WO 96/40660, WO 96/12490, WO 97/09308, WO 97/20820, WO 97/20821, WO 97/20822, WO 97/20823, WO 97/19682, WO 97/25041, WO 97/34843, WO 97/46250, WO 98/03492, WO 98/03493, WO 98/03494, WO 98/07420 and WO 99/15498; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,552,411, 5,663,192 and 5,567,714; and Japanese patent application JP 09157253. Preferred amino acid and non-peptide-based NPY antagonists include those compounds that are specifically disclosed in these patent documents. All of these prior art disclosures are incorporated herein in their entireties for such disclosures.

Particularly preferred compounds include amino acid-based NPY antagonists. Amino acid-based compounds, which may be mentioned include those disclosed in international patent applications WO 94/17035, WO 97/19911, WO 97/19913, WO 97/19914 or, preferably, WO 99/15498. Preferred amino acid-based NPY antagonists include those that are specifically disclosed in these patent documents, for example BIBP3226 and, especially, (R)—N-2-(diphenylacetyl)-(R)—N-[1-(4-hydroxy- phenyl)ethyl]arginine amide (Example 4 of international patent application WO 99/15498). All of these prior disclosures are (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosures.

M1 receptor agonists and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in WO2004/087158, WO91/10664, which are incorporated herein in their entireties for such disclosures.

Suitable M1 receptor antagonists for the purpose of the present invention are for example CDD-0102 (Cognitive Pharmaceuticals); Cevimeline (Evoxac) (Snow Brand Milk Products Co. Ltd.); NGX-267 (TorreyPines Therapeutics); sabcomeline (GlaxoSmithKline); alvameline (H Lundbeck A/S); LY-593093 (Eli Lilly & Co.); VRTX-3 (Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.); WAY-132983 (Wyeth) and CI-101/(PD-151832) (Pfizer Inc.).

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in WO2006/071274, WO2006/070394, WO2006/040688, WO2005/092009, WO2005/079789, WO2005/039580, WO2005/027975, WO2004/084884, WO2004/037234, WO2004/032929, WO03/101458, WO03/091220, WO03/082820, WO03/020289, WO02/32412, WO01/85145, WO01/78728, WO01/66096, WO00/02549, WO01/00215, WO00/15205, WO00/23057, WO00/33840, WO00/30446, WO00/23057, WO00/15205, WO00/09483, WO00/07600, WO00/02549, WO99/47131, WO99/07359, WO98/30243, WO97/38993, WO97/13754, WO94/29255, WO94/20476, WO94/19356, WO93/03034 and WO92/19238 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosures).

Suitable acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are for example Donepezil (Eisai Co. Ltd.); rivastigmine (Novartis AG); (−)-phenserine (TorreyPines Therapeutics); ladostigil (Hebrew University of Jerusalem); huperzine A (Mayo Foundation); galantamine (Johnson & Johnson); Memoquin (Universita di Bologna); SP-004 (Samaritan Pharmaceuticals Inc.); BGC-20-1259 (Sankyo Co. Ltd.); physostigmine (Forest Laboratories Inc.); NP-0361 (Neuropharma SA); ZT-1 (Debiopharm); tacrine (Warner-Lambert Co.); metrifonate (Bayer Corp.) and INM-176 (Whanln).

NMDA receptor antagonists and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in WO2006/094674, WO2006/058236, WO2006/058059, WO2006/010965, WO2005/000216, WO2005/102390, WO2005/079779, WO2005/079756, WO2005/072705, WO2005/070429, WO2005/055996, WO2005/035522, WO2005/009421, WO2005/000216, WO2004/092189, WO2004/039371, WO2004/028522, WO2004/009062, WO03/010159, WO02/072542, WO02/34718, WO01/98262, WO01/94321, WO01/92204, WO01/81295, WO01/32640, WO1/10833, WO01/10831, WO00/56711, WO00/29023, WO00/00197, WO99/53922, WO99/48891, WO99/45963, WO99/01416, WO99/07413, WO99/01416, WO98/50075, WO98/50044, WO98/10757, WO98/05337, WO97/32873, WO97/23216, WO97/23215, WO97/23214, WO96/14318, WO96/08485, WO95/31986, WO95/26352, WO95/26350, WO95/26349, WO95/26342, WO95/12594, WO95/02602, WO95/02601, WO94/20109, WO94/13641, WO94/09016 and WO93/25534 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosures).

Suitable NMDA receptor antagonists for the purpose of the present invention are for example Memantine (Merz & Co. GmbH); topiramate (Johnson & Johnson); AVP-923 (Neurodex) (Center for Neurologic Study); EN-3231 (Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc.); neramexane (MRZ-2/579) (Merz and Forest); CNS-5161 (CeNeS Pharmaceuticals Inc.); dexanabinol (HU-211; Sinnabidol; PA-50211) (Pharmos); EpiCept NP-1 (Dalhousie University); indantadol (V-3381; CNP-3381) (Vernalis); perzinfotel (EAA-090, WAY-126090, EAA-129) (Wyeth); RGH-896 (Gedeon Richter Ltd.); traxoprodil (CP-101606), besonprodil (PD-196860, CI-1041) (Pfizer Inc.); CGX-1007 (Cognetix Inc.); delucemine (NPS-1506) (NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc.); EVT-101 (Roche Holding AG); acamprosate (Synchroneuron LLC.); CR-3991, CR-2249, CR-3394 (Rottapharm SpA.); AV-101 (4-Cl-kynurenine (4-Cl-KYN)), 7-chloro-kynurenic acid (7-Cl-KYNA) (VistaGen); NPS-1407 (NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc.); YT-1006 (Yaupon Therapeutics Inc.); ED-1812 (Sosei R&D Ltd.); himantane (hydrochloride N-2-(adamantly)-hexamethylen-imine) (RAMS); Lancicemine (AR-R-15896) (AstraZeneca); EVT-102, Ro-25-6981 and Ro-63-1908 (Hoffmann-La Roche AG/Evotec).

DP IV-inhibitors and compositions containing such inhibitors are described, e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,155; U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,317; U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,949; U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,305; U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,081; WO99/61431, WO99/67278, WO99/67279, DE19834591, WO97/40832, WO95/15309, WO98/19998, WO00/07617, WO99/38501, WO99/46272, WO99/38501, WO01/68603, WO01/40180, WO01/81337, WO01/81304, WO01/55105, WO02/02560, WO01/34594, WO02/38541, WO02/083128, WO03/072556, WO03/002593, WO03/000250, WO03/000180, WO03/000181, EP1258476, WO03/002553, WO03/002531, WO03/002530, WO03/004496, WO03/004498, WO03/024942, WO03/024965, WO03/033524, WO03/035057, WO03/035067, WO03/037327, WO03/040174, WO03/045977, WO03/055881, WO03/057144, WO03/057666, WO03/068748, WO03/068757, WO03/082817, WO03/101449, WO03/101958, WO03/104229, WO03/74500, WO2004/007446, WO2004/007468, WO2004/018467, WO2004/018468, WO2004/018469, WO2004/026822, WO2004/032836, WO2004/033455, WO2004/037169, WO2004/041795, WO2004/043940, WO2004/048352, WO2004/050022, WO2004/052850, WO2004/058266, WO2004/064778, WO2004/069162, WO2004/071454, WO2004/076433, WO2004/076434, WO2004/087053, WO2004/089362, WO2004/099185, WO2004/103276, WO2004/103993, WO2004/108730, WO2004/110436, WO2004/111041, WO2004/112701, WO2005/000846, WO2005/000848, WO2005/011581, WO2005/016911, WO2005/023762, WO2005/025554, WO2005/026148, WO2005/030751, WO2005/033106, WO2005/037828, WO2005/040095, WO2005/044195, WO2005/047297, WO2005/051950, WO2005/056003, WO2005/056013, WO2005/058849, WO2005/075426, WO2005/082348, WO2005/085246, WO2005/087235, WO2005/095339, WO2005/095343, WO2005/095381, WO2005/108382, WO2005/113510, WO2005/116014, WO2005/116029, WO2005/118555, WO2005/120494, WO2005/121089, WO2005/121131, WO2005/123685, WO2006/995613; WO2006/009886; WO2006/013104; WO2006/017292; WO2006/019965; WO2006/020017; WO2006/023750; WO2006/039325; WO2006/041976; WO2006/047248; WO2006/058064; WO2006/058628; WO2006/066747; WO2006/066770 and WO2006/068978 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosures).

Suitable DP IV-inhibitors for the purpose of the present invention are for example Sitagliptin, des-fluoro-sitagliptin (Merck & Co. Inc.); vildagliptin, DPP-728, SDZ-272-070 (Novartis); ABT-279, ABT-341 (Abbott Laboratories); denagliptin, TA-6666 (GlaxoSmithKline plc.); SYR-322 (Takeda San Diego Inc.); talabostat (Point Therapeutics Inc.); Ro-0730699, R-1499, R-1438 (Roche Holding AG); FE-999011 (Ferring Pharmaceuticals); TS-021 (Taisho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.); GRC-8200 (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.); ALS-2-0426 (Alantos Pharmaceuticals Holding Inc.); ARI-2243 (Arisaph Pharmaceuticals Inc.); SSR-162369 (Sanofi-Synthelabo); MP-513 (Mitsubishi Pharma Corp.); DP-893, CP-867534-01 (Pfizer Inc.); TSL-225, TMC-2A (Tanabe Seiyaku Co. Ltd.); PHX-1149 (Phenomenix Corp.); saxagliptin (Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.); PSN-9301 ((OSI) Prosidion), S-40755 (Servier); KRP-104 (ActivX Biosciences Inc.); sulphostin (Zaidan Hojin); KR-62436 (Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology); P32/98 (Probiodrug AG); BI-A, BI-B (Boehringer Ingelheim Corp.); SK-0403 (Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co. Ltd.); and NNC-72-2138 (Novo NordiskA/S).

Other preferred DP IV-inhibitors are

(i) dipeptide-like compounds, disclosed in WO 99/61431, e.g. N-valyl prolyl, O-benzoyl hydroxylamine, alanyl pyrrolidine, isoleucyl thiazolidine like L-allo-isoleucyl thiazolidine, L-threo-isoleucyl pyrrolidine and salts thereof, especially the fumaric salts, and L-allo-isoleucyl pyrrolidine and salts thereof;

(ii) peptide structures, disclosed in WO 03/002593 (fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for such disclosure), e.g. tripeptides;

(iii) peptidylketones, disclosed in WO 03/033524 (fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for such disclosure);

(vi) substituted aminoketones, disclosed in WO 03/040174 (fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for such disclosure);

(v) topically active DP IV-inhibitors, disclosed in WO 01/14318 (fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for such disclosure);

(vi) prodrugs of DP IV-inhibitors, disclosed in WO 99/67278 and WO 99/67279 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosure); and

(v) glutaminyl based DP IV-inhibitors, disclosed in WO 03/072556 and WO 2004/099134 (fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for such disclosure).

Most preferably the QC inhibitor is combined with one or more compounds selected from the following group:

PF-4360365, m266, bapineuzumab, R-1450, Posiphen, (+)-phenserine, MK-0752, LY-450139, E-2012, (R)-flurbiprofen, AZD-103, AAB-001 (Bapineuzumab), Tramiprosate, EGb-761, TAK-070, Doxofylline, theophylline, cilomilast, tofimilast, roflumilast, tetomilast, tipelukast, ibudilast, HT-0712, MEM-1414, oglemilast, Linezolid, budipine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, indantadol, moclobemide, rasagiline, ladostigil, safinamide, ABT-239, ABT-834, GSK-189254A, Ciproxifan, JNJ-17216498, Fmoc-Ala-Pyrr-CN, Z-Phe-Pro-Benzothiazole, Z-321, ONO-1603, JTP-4819, S-17092, BIBP3226; (R)—N2-(diphenylacetyl)-(R)—N-[1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]arginine amide, Cevimeline, sabcomeline, (PD-151832), Donepezil, rivastigmine, (−)-phenserine, ladostigil, galantamine, tacrine, metrifonate, Memantine, topiramate, AVP-923, EN-3231, neramexane, valsartan, benazepril, enalapril, hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, diltiazem, isradipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine, verapamil, amlodipine, acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, carteolol, carvedilol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, oxprenolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol, PLAVIX® (clopidogrel bisulfate), PLETAL® (cilostazol), aspirin, ZETIA® (ezetimibe) and KT6-971, statins, atorvastatin, pitavastatin or simvastatin; dexamethasone, cladribine, rapamycin, vincristine, taxol, aliskiren, C-243, ABN-912, SSR-150106, MLN-1202 and betaferon.

In particular, the following combinations are considered:

-   -   a QC inhibitor, in particular a QC inhibitor of formula (I), in         combination with Atorvastatin for the treatment and/or         prevention of artherosclerosis     -   a QC inhibitor, in particular a QC inhibitor of formula (I), in         combination with immunosuppressive agents, preferably rapamycin         for the prevention and/or treatment of restenosis     -   a QC inhibitor, in particular a QC inhibitor of formula (I), in         combination with immunosuppressive agents, preferably paclitaxel         for the prevention and/or treatment of restenosis     -   a QC inhibitor, in particular a QC inhibitor of formula (I), in         combination with AChE inhibitors, preferably Donepezil, for the         prevention and/or treatment of Alzheimer's disease     -   a QC inhibitor, in particular a QC inhibitor of formula (I), in         combination with interferones, preferably Aronex, for the         prevention and/or treatment of multiple sclerosis     -   a QC inhibitor, in particular a QC inhibitor of formula (I), in         combination with interferones, preferably betaferon, for the         prevention and/or treatment of multiple sclerosis     -   a QC inhibitor, in particular a QC inhibitor of formula (I), in         combination with interferones, preferably Rebif, for the         prevention and/or treatment of multiple sclerosis     -   a QC inhibitor, in particular a QC inhibitor of formula (I), in         combination with Copaxone, for the prevention and/or treatment         of multiple sclerosis.

Such a combination therapy is in particular useful for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimers Disease, Familial British Dementia, Familial Danish Dementia and neurodegeneration in Down syndrome as well as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, restenosis and pancreatitis.

Such combination therapies might result in a better therapeutic effect (less plaque formation, less proliferation as well as less inflammation, a stimulus for proliferation) than would occur with either agent alone.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

To prepare the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention, at least one compound of formula (I), without the provisos, optionally in combination with at least one of the other aforementioned agents can be used as the active ingredient(s). The active ingredient(s) is intimately admixed with a pharmaceutical carrier according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques, which carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending of the form of preparation desired for administration, e.g., oral or parenteral such as intramuscular. In preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed. Thus, for liquid oral preparations, such as for example, suspensions, elixirs and solutions, suitable carriers and additives include water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like; for solid oral preparations such as, for example, powders, capsules, gelcaps and tablets, suitable carriers and additives include starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like. Because of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit form, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. If desired, tablets may be sugar coated or enteric coated by standard techniques. For parenterals, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, though other ingredients, for example, for purposes such as aiding solubility or for preservation, may be included.

Injectable suspensions may also prepared, in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. The pharmaceutical compositions herein will contain, per dosage unit, e.g., tablet, capsule, powder, injection, teaspoonful and the like, an amount of the active ingredient(s) necessary to deliver an effective dose as described above. The pharmaceutical compositions herein will contain, per dosage unit, e.g., tablet, capsule, powder, injection, suppository, teaspoonful and the like, from about 0.03 mg to 100 mg/kg (preferred 0.1-30 mg/kg) and may be given at a dosage of from about 0.1-300 mg/kg per day (preferred 1-50 mg/kg per day) of each active ingredient or combination thereof. The dosages, however, may be varied depending upon the requirement of the patients, the severity of the condition being treated and the compound being employed. The use of either daily administration or post-periodic dosing may be employed.

Preferably these compositions are in unit dosage forms from such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions, metered aerosol or liquid sprays, drops, ampoules, auto injector devices or suppositories; for oral parenteral, intranasal, sublingual or rectal administration, or for administration by inhalation or insufflation. Alternatively, the composition may be presented in a form suitable for once-weekly or once-monthly administration; for example, an insoluble salt of the active compound, such as the decanoate salt, may be adapted to provide a depot preparation for intramuscular injection. For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g. conventional tableting ingredients such as corn starch, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate or gums, and other pharmaceutical diluents, e.g. water, to form a solid preformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. When referring to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily subdivided into equally effective dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules. This solid preformulation composition is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from 0.1 to about 500 mg of each active ingredient or combinations thereof of the present invention.

The tablets or pills of the compositions of the present invention can be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layer which serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permits the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of material can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate.

This liquid forms in which the compositions of the present invention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injection include, aqueous solutions, suitably flavoured syrups, aqueous or oil suspensions, and flavoured emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or peanut oil, as well as elixirs and similar pharmaceutical vehicles. Suitable dispersing or suspending agents for aqueous suspensions, include synthetic and natural gums such as tragacanth, acacia, alginate, dextran, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone or gelatin.

The pharmaceutical composition may contain between about 0.01 mg and 100 mg, preferably about 5 to 50 mg, of each compound, and may be constituted into any form suitable for the mode of administration selected. Carriers include necessary and inert pharmaceutical excipients, including, but not limited to, binders, suspending agents, lubricants, flavorants, sweeteners, preservatives, dyes, and coatings. Compositions suitable for oral administration include solid forms, such as pills, tablets, caplets, capsules (each including immediate release, timed release and sustained release formulations), granules, and powders, and liquid forms, such as solutions, syrups, elixirs, emulsions, and suspensions. Forms useful for parenteral administration include sterile solutions, emulsions and suspensions.

Advantageously, compounds of the present invention may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two, three or four times daily. Furthermore, compounds for the present invention can be administered in intranasal form via topical use of suitable intranasal vehicles, or via transdermal skin patches well known to those of ordinary skill in that art. To be administered in the form of transdermal delivery system, the dosage administration will, of course, be continuous rather than intermittent throughout the dosage regimen.

For instance, for oral administration in the form of a tablet or capsule, the active drug component can be combined with an oral, non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier such as ethanol, glycerol, water and the like. Moreover, when desired or necessary, suitable binders; lubricants, disintegrating agents and coloring agents can also be incorporated into the mixture. Suitable binders include, without limitation, starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose or betalactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth or sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride and the like. Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum and the like.

The liquid forms in suitable flavored suspending or dispersing agents such as the synthetic and natural gums, for example, tragacanth, acacia, methyl-cellulose and the like. For parenteral administration, sterile suspensions and solutions are desired. Isotonic preparations which generally contain suitable preservatives are employed when intravenous administration is desired.

The compounds or combinations of the present invention can also be administered in the form of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles, large unilamellar vesicles, and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as cholesterol, stearylamine or phosphatidylcholines.

Compounds or combinations of the present invention may also be delivered by the use of monoclonal antibodies as individual carriers to which the compound molecules are coupled. The compounds of the present invention may also be coupled with soluble polymers as targetable drug carriers. Such polymers can include polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyran copolymer, polyhydroxypropylmethacrylamidephenol, polyhydroxyethylaspartamid-ephenol, or polyethyl eneoxidepolyllysine substituted with palmitoyl residue. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be coupled to a class of biodegradable polymers useful in achieving controlled release of a drug, for example, polyactic acid, polyepsilon caprolactone, polyhydroxy butyeric acid, polyorthoesters, polyacetals, polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacrylates and cross-linked or amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels.

Compounds or combinations of this invention may be administered in any of the foregoing compositions and according to dosage regimens established in the art whenever treatment of the addressed disorders is required.

The daily dosage of the products may be varied over a wide range from 0.01 to 1.000 mg per mammal per day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 25.0, 50.0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 500 milligrams of each active ingredient or combinations thereof for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated. An effective amount of the drug is ordinarily supplied at a dosage level of from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 300 mg/kg of body weight per day. Preferably, the range is from about 1 to about 50 mg/kg of body weight per day. The compounds or combinations may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day.

Optimal dosages to be administered may be readily determined by those skilled in the art, and will vary with the particular compound used, the mode of administration, the strength of the preparation, the mode of administration, and the advancement of disease condition. In addition, factors associated with the particular patient being treated, including patient age, weight, diet and time of administration, will result in the need to adjust dosages.

In a further aspect, the invention also provides a process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of formula (I), without the provisos, optionally in combination with at least one of the other aforementioned agents and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The compositions are preferably in a unit dosage form in an amount appropriate for the relevant daily dosage.

Suitable dosages, including especially unit dosages, of the compounds of the present invention include the known dosages including unit doses for these compounds as described or referred to in reference text such as the British and US Pharmacopoeias, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Co.), Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia (London, The Pharmaceutical Press) (for example see the 31st Edition page 341 and pages cited therein) or the above mentioned publications, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties for such disclosures.

EXAMPLES

Det Ki IC50 IUPAC Name Structure Mol. Weight [M + H]⁺ [μM] [μM] 1 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol- 5-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2- thiol

218.23 219.4 5.99 9.99 2 5-(5-(benzylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

308.35 309.5 0.79 4.24 3 5-(5-(phenethylthio)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

322.38 323.2 6.07 7.26 4 5-(5-(3-phenylpropylthio)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

336.41 337.2 4.56 7.56 5 5-(5-((naphthalen-2- yl)methylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

358.41 359.2 0.69 8.67 6 5-(5-(methylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

232.26 233.3 17.8 24.8 7 5-(5-(allylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

258.29 259.3 5.26 7.23 8 5-(5-(ethylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

246.28 247.3 9.67 14.7 9 5-(5-octylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

330.44 331.2 15 10 5-(5-(4-tert- butylbenzylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

364.46 365.4 3.43 5.5 11 5-(5-(4-chlorobenzylthio)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

342.80 342.9/ 346.0 1.40 8.97 12 5-(5-(4-fluorobenzylthio)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

326.34 327.4 0.78 5.95 13 5-(5-(3,4,5- trifluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

362.32 363.2 1.11 9.63 14 5-(5- (Pentafluorobenzylthio)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

398.30 399.1 0.55 2.05 15 5-(5-(2,4,6- trimethylbenzylthio)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

350.43 351.3 0.74 7.30 16 5-(5-(2,3,4,5,6- pentamethylbenzylthio)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

378.49 379.3 13.8 38.4 17 5-(5-(3,4,5- trimethoxybenzylthio)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

398.43 399.2 0.69 15.3 18 5-(5-((pyridin-2- yl)methylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

309.34 310.1 0.91 19.7 19 5-(5-((pyridin-3- yl)methylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

309.34 310.2 3.07 28.73 20 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol- 5-yl)-N-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-amine

337.33 338.2 6.8 15.02 21 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol- 5-yl)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

311.72 312.3 58.2 22 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol- 5-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

295.27 296.4 6.84 20.7 23 N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-(1H- benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

309.29 310.1 3.4 24.1 24 5-(5-(4- methylbenzylthio)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole

305.33 306.5 5.59 42.3 25 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol- 5-yl)-N-benzyl-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-amine

291.30 292.1 4.87 28.13

Synthesis of the Examples

Synthesis Scheme 1:

The compounds of examples 1-19 were synthesized according the general synthesis scheme 1 and their identity was confirmed by mass spectrometry, purity by HPLC-methods

Synthesis Scheme 2:

The compounds of examples 20-25 were synthesized according the general synthesis scheme 2 and their identity was confirmed by mass spectrometry.

General Synthesis Description

ethyl 3H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylate II

Benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid I (12.9 g, 0.08 mmol) was dissolved in 100 mL of EtOH and mL of conc. H₂SO₄ (0.088 mmol) were added. The solution was refluxed for 24 h. After that the mixture was poured on ice and brought to neutral pH. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄. After that the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Yield: 12.6 g, 83%

3H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carbohydrazide III

II (12.6 g, 0.066 mmol) was dissolved in 75 mL of EtOH and N₂H₄×H₂O (8.5 g, 0.364 mmol) were added. The mixture was refluxed for 2 d. After that the formed precipitate was filtered off and washed by means of heptane. Yield: 10.2 g, 88%

5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-6-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol 1

III (9 g, 0.051 mmol) was dissolved in 85 mL of EtOH and an aqueous solution of KOH (1.7 g in 17 mL) was added drop-wise. After that CS₂ (3 mL, 0.05 mmol) was added and the solution was refluxed for 10 h. The solvent was evaporated and the remains were poured on ice and neutralized by means of aqueous HCl. The formed precipitate was filtered off and dried.

Examples 2-19

1 (1 eq), TEA (1 eq), and the corresponding alkyl-halogenide (1 eq, for all examples the bromides were used, except for example 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 in where the corresponding alkyl chlorides were utilized, 2 eq, of TEA were applied to liberate the hydrochloride salts if present) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Examples 20-25

III (1 eq) and the corresponding isothiocyanate (1 eq) were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux for 2 h. After that the solvent was removed and the remaining oil was re-dissolved in 30 mL of THF. After the addition of DCC (1.5 eq) the solution was refluxed for 1 h. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by means of flash chromatography on Al₂O₃ utilizing a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION Detailed Synthesis Description Example 2 5-(5-(Benzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol), benzyl bromide (0.178 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.182 g (39%), MS: m/z 309.5 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt: 7.91 min, (98.2%).

Example 3 5-(5-(Phenethylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol), phenylethylbromide (0.206 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.218 g (45%), MS: m/z 323.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt: 8.53 min (93.7%).

Example 4 5-(5-(3-Phenylpropylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol), and phenylpropylbromide (0.228 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.274 g (54%), MS: m/z 337.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 10.31 min (96.1%).

Example 5 5-(5-((Naphthalen-2-yl)methylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and naphtylmethylbromide (0.332 g, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.419 mg (78%), MS: m/z 359.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 10.64 min (87.6%).

Example 6 5-(5-(Methylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and methyliodide (0.093 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.233 g (67%), MS: m/z 233.3 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [B], (214 nm): rt 7.38 min (95.4%).

Example 7 5-(5-(Allylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and allylbromide (0.093 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.233 g (57%), MS: m/z 247.3 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 3.45 min (87.1%).

Example 8 5-(5-(Ethylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and ethylbromide (0.112 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.231 g (62%), MS: m/z 247.3 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 2.51 min (97.9%)

Example 9 5-(5-(Octylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and octylbromide (0.258 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.201 g (40%), MS: m/z 331.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 13.17 min (100%)

Example 10 5-(5-(4-tert-butyl-Benzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and 4-tert-butylbenzylbromide (0.292 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.305 g (55%), MS: m/z 365.4 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 13.17 min (100%)

Example 11 5-(5-(4-Chlorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and 4-chlorobenzylchloride (0.242 mg, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.305 g (59%), MS: m/z 343.0 [M+H]⁺, 345.0 (M+H)⁺(Cl-isotope), HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 9.84 min (99.7%)

Example 12 5-(5-(4-Fluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and 4-fluorobenzylchloride (0.17 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.310 g (63%), MS: m/z 327.4 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 8.21 min (94.7%)

Example 13 5-(5-(3,4,5-Trifluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and 3,4,5-trifluorobenzylbromide (0.20 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.413 g (76%), MS: m/z 363.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 9.53 min (98.3%)

Example 14 5-(5-(Pentafluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and pentafluorobenzylbromide (0.204 mL, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.474 g (79%), MS: m/z 399.1 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 10.18 min (92.9%)

Example 15 5-(5-(2,4,6 Trimethylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzylbromide (0.253 g, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.332 g (63%), MS: m/z 351.3 [M+H]⁺, HPLC (214 nm): rt 12.37 min (89.8%)

Example 16 5-(5-(2,3,4,5,6-pentamethylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and 2,3,4,5,6-pentamethylbenzylbromide (0.295 g, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.278 g (49%), MS: m/z 379.3 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 14.14 min (100%)

Example 17 5-(5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.209 mL, 1.5 mmol) and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyllchloride (0.325 g, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.310 g (59%), MS: m/z 399.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC, Method [A], (214 nm): rt 6.59 min (100%)

Example 18 5-(5-((Pyridin-2-yl)methylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.418 mL, 3.0 mmol) and (pyridin-2-yl)methylchloride hydrochloride (0.246 g, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.271 g (58%), MS: m/z 155.7 [M+2H]²⁺, 310.1 [M+H]⁺, HPLC Method [B], (214 nm): rt 7.26 min (100%)

Example 19 5-(5-((Pyridin-3-yl)methylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

1 (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol), TEA (0.418 mL, 3.0 mmol) and (pyridin-3-yl)methylchloride hydrochloride (0.246 g, 1.5 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux overnight. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel, applying a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.358 g (77%), MS: m/z 155.7 [M+2H]²⁺, 310.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC Method [B], (214 nm), rt 5.97 min (100%)

Example 20 5-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

III (0.352 g, 2 mmol)) and 3,4 dimethoxyphenylisothiocyanate (0.185 g, 2 mmol) were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux for 2 h. After that the solvent was removed and the remaining oil was re-dissolved in 30 mL of THF. After the addition of DCC (1.5 eq) the solution was refluxed for 1 h. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by means of flash chromatography on Al₂O₃ utilizing a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.181 g (27%), MS: m/z 338.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC Method [B], (214 nm): rt 9.31 min (95.6%)

Example 21 5-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

III (0.352 g, 2 mmol)) and 4-chlorophenylisothiocyanate (0.157 g, 2 mmol) were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux for 2 h. After that the solvent was removed and the remaining oil was re-dissolved in 30 mL of THF. After the addition of DCC (1.5 eq) the solution was refluxed for 1 h. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by means of flash chromatography on Al₂O₃ utilizing a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.091 g (15%), MS: m/z 338.2 [M+H]⁺, HPLC Method [B], (214 nm): rt 1.14 min (95.3%)

Example 22 5-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

III (0.352 g, 2 mmol)) and 4-fluorophenylisothiocyanate (0.121 g, 2 mmol) were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux for 2 h. After that the solvent was removed and the remaining oil was re-dissolved in 30 mL of THF. After the addition of DCC (1.5 eq) the solution was refluxed for 1 h. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by means of flash chromatography on Al₂O₃ utilizing a CHCl₃MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.162 g (26%), MS: m/z 296.4 [M+H]⁺, HPLC Method [B], (214 nm): rt 10.64 min (99.4%)

Example 23 N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

III (0.352 g, 2 mmol)) and 4-fluorobenzylisothiocyanate (0.274 mL, 2 mmol) were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux for 2 h. After that the solvent was removed and the remaining oil was re-dissolved in 30 mL of THF. After the addition of DCC (1.5 eq) the solution was refluxed for 1 h. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by means of flash chromatography on Al₂O₃ utilizing a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.162 g (26%), MS: m/z 310.1 [M+H]⁺, HPLC Method [B], (214 nm): rt 9.83 min (95.7%)

Example 24 5-(5-(4-methylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole

III (0.352 g, 2 mmol)) and 4-methylbenzylisothiocyanate (0.302 mL, 2 mmol) were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux for 2 h. After that the solvent was removed and the remaining oil was re-dissolved in 30 mL of THF. After the addition of DCC (1.5 eq) the solution was refluxed for 1 h. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by means of flash chromatography on Al₂O₃ utilizing a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.086 g (14%), MS: m/z 306.4 [M+H]⁺, HPLC Method [B], (214 nm): rt 10.63 min (96.4%)

Example 25 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-N-benzyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine

III (0.352 g, 2 mmol)) and benzylisothiocyanate (0.265 mL, 2 mmol) were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH and kept under reflux for 2 h. After that the solvent was removed and the remaining oil was re-dissolved in 30 mL of THF. After the addition of DCC (1.5 eq) the solution was refluxed for 1 h. The solvent was removed and the remaining oil was purified by means of flash chromatography on Al₂O₃ utilizing a CHCl₃/MeOH gradient.

Yield: 0.161 g (28%), MS: m/z 292.4 [M+H]⁺, HPLC Method [B], (214 nm): rt 9.34 min (95.9%)

Analytical Methods

The HPLC-system consisted of a Merck-Hitachi device (model LaChrom®) utilizing a Li-Chrospher® 100 RP 18 (5 μm), analytical column (length: 125 mm, diameter: 4 mm), and a diode array detector (DAD) with λ=214 nm as the reporting wavelength. The compounds were analyzed using a gradient at a flow rate of 1 mL/min; whereby eluent (A) was acetonitrile, eluent (B) was water, both containing 0.1% (v/v) trifluoro acetic acid applying the following gradient: Method [A]:0 min-25 min, 20-80% (A); 25 min-30 min, 80-95% (A); 30 min-31 min, 95-20% (A); Method [B]: 0 min-15 min, 5-50% (A); 15 min-17 min, 50-70% (A); 17 min-20 min, 70-95% (A); 20 min-23 min 95% (A); 23 min-24 min 95-5% (A). The purities of all reported compounds were determined by the percentage of the peak area at 214 nm.

ESI-Mass spectra were obtained with a SCIEX API 365 spectrometer (Perkin Elmer) utilizing the positive ionization mode.

Activity Screening

Fluorometric Assays

All measurements were performed with a BioAssay Reader HTS-7000Plus for microplates (Perkin Elmer) at 30° C. QC activity was evaluated fluorometrically using H-Gln-βNA. The samples consisted of 0.2 mM fluorogenic substrate, 0.25 U pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase (Unizyme, Hørsholm, Denmark) in 0.2 M Tris/HCl, pH 8.0 containing 20 mM EDTA and an appropriately diluted aliquot of QC in a final volume of 250 μl. Excitation/emission wavelengths were 320/410 nm. The assay reactions were initiated by addition of glutaminyl cyclase. QC activity was determined from a standard curve of β-naphthylamine under assay conditions. One unit is defined as the amount of QC catalyzing the formation of 1 μmol pGlu-βNA from H-Gln-βNA per minute under the described conditions.

In a second fluorometric assay, QC was activity determined using H-Gln-AMC as substrate. Reactions were carried out at 30° C. utilizing the NOVOStar reader for microplates (BMG labtechnologies). The samples consisted of varying concentrations of the fluorogenic substrate, 0.1 U pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase (Qiagen) in 0.05 M Tris/HCl, pH 8.0 containing 5 mM EDTA and an appropriately diluted aliquot of QC in a final volume of 250 μl. Excitation/emission wavelengths were 380/460 nm. The assay reactions were initiated by addition of glutaminyl cyclase. QC activity was determined from a standard curve of 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin under assay conditions. The kinetic data were evaluated using GraFit software.

Spectrophotometric Assay of QC

This novel assay was used to determine the kinetic parameters for most of the QC substrates. QC activity was analyzed spectrophotometrically using a continuous method, that was derived by adapting a previous discontinuous assay (Bateman, R. C. J. 1989 J Neurosci Methods 30, 23-28) utilizing glutamate dehydrogenase as auxiliary enzyme. Samples consisted of the respective QC substrate, 0.3 mM NADH, 14 mM α-Ketoglutaric acid and 30 U/ml glutamate dehydrogenase in a final volume of 250 μl. Reactions were started by addition of QC and persued by monitoring of the decrease in absorbance at 340 nm for 8-15 min.

The initial velocities were evaluated and the enzymatic activity was determined from a standard curve of ammonia under assay conditions. All samples were measured at 30° C., using either the SPECTRAFluor Plus or the Sunrise (both from TECAN) reader for microplates. Kinetic data was evaluated using GraFit software.

Inhibitor Assay

For inhibitor testing, the sample composition was the same as described above, except of the putative inhibitory compound added. For a rapid test of QC-inhibition, samples contained 4 mM of the respective inhibitor and a substrate concentration at 1 K_(M). For detailed investigations of the inhibition and determination of K_(i)-values, influence of the inhibitor on the auxiliary enzymes was investigated first. In every case, there was no influence on either enzyme detected, thus enabling the reliable determination of the QC inhibition. The inhibitory constant was evaluated by fitting the set of progress curves to the general equation for competitive inhibition using GraFit software.

MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry was carried out using the Hewlett-Packard G2025 LD-TOF System with a linear time of flight analyzer. The instrument was equipped with a 337 nm nitrogen laser, a potential acceleration source (5 kV) and a 1.0 m flight tube. Detector operation was in the positive-ion mode and signals are recorded and filtered using LeCroy 9350M digital storage oscilloscope linked to a personal computer. Samples (5 μl) were mixed with equal volumes of the matrix solution. For matrix solution DHAP/DAHC was used, prepared by solving 30 mg 2′,6′-dihydroxyacetophenone (Aldrich) and 44 mg diammonium hydrogen citrate (Fluka) in 1 ml acetonitrile/0.1% TFA in water (1/1, v/v). A small volume (≈1 μl) of the matrix-analyte-mixture was transferred to a probe tip and immediately evaporated in a vacuum chamber (Hewlett-Packard G2024A sample prep accessory) to ensure rapid and homogeneous sample crystallization.

For long-term testing of Glu¹-cyclization, Aβ-derived peptides were incubated in 100 μl 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.2 or 0.1 M Bis-Tris buffer, pH 6.5 at 30° C. Peptides were applied in 0.5 mM [Aβ(3-11)a] or 0.15 mM [Aβ(3-21)a] concentrations, and 0.2 U QC is added all 24 hours. In case of Aβ(3-21)a, the assays contained 1% DMSO. At different times, samples are removed from the assay tube, peptides extracted using ZipTips (Millipore) according to the manufacturer's recommendations, mixed with matrix solution (1:1 v/v) and subsequently the mass spectra recorded. Negative controls either contain no QC or heat deactivated enzyme. For the inhibitor studies the sample composition was the same as described above, with exception of the inhibitory compound added (5 mM or 2 mM of a test compound of the invention).

The first QC inhibitors were disclosed in WO 2004/098591 and WO 2005/075436. There are no other potent QC inhibitors known in the art. The same holds true for combinations and compositions for the treatment of neuronal diseases comprising QC inhibitors. Compounds and combinations of the invention may have the advantage that they are, for example, more potent, more selective, have fewer side-effects, have better formulation and stability properties, have better pharmacokinetic properties, be more bioavailable, be able to cross blood brain barrier and are more effective in the brain of mammals, are more compatible or effective in combination with other drugs or be more readily synthesized than other compounds of the prior art.

Throughout the specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer, step, group of integers or group of steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer, step, group of integers or group of steps.

All patents and patent applications mentioned throughout the specification of the present invention are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference.

The invention embraces all combinations of preferred and more preferred groups and embodiments of groups recited above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I),

wherein R¹ represents benzimidazole; R² represents alkyl; carbocyclyl which may optionally be substituted by alkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl, provided a triple bond is not adjacent to X; -alkyl-aryl which may optionally be substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, or halogen; -alkyl-carbocyclyl in which carbocyclyl may optionally be substituted by alkyl; or aryl which may optionally be substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, or halogen; wherein carbocyclyl is defined as a saturated or partially unsaturated one, two, or three carbon ring system comprising between three and twelve ring carbon atoms; X represents S or NR³; R³ represents H or C₁₋₄ alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer, or stereoisomer thereof; with the proviso that the following compounds are excluded from the scope of formula (I):


2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ represents 1H-benzoimidazol-5-yl.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R² represents alkyl; alkenyl; -alkyl-aryl; or aryl.
 4. A compound according to claim 3 wherein R² represents alkenyl or -alkyl-aryl which may optionally be substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, or halogen.
 5. A compound according to claim 4 wherein R² represents -alkyl-aryl which may optionally be substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, or halogen.
 6. A compound according to claim 5 wherein R² represents benzyl.
 7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X represents S or NH.
 8. A compound according to claim 7 wherein X represents S.
 9. A compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of: 5-(5-(benzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(phenethylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(3-phenylpropylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-((naphthalen-2-yl)methylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(methylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(allylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(ethylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(octylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(4-tert-butylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(4-chlorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(4-fluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(3,4,5-trifluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(Pentafluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(2,4,6 trimethylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(2,3,4,5,6-pentamethylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine; 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine; 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine; N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine; 5-(5-(4-methylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; and 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-N-benzyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine.
 10. A compound according to claim 9 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of: 5-(5-(benzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(phenethylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(3-phenylpropylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-((naphthalen-2-yl)methylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(allylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(4-tert-butylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(4-chlorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(4-fluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; 5-(5-(Pentafluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; and 5-(5-(2,4,6 trimethylbenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 optionally in combination with one or more therapeutically acceptable diluents or carriers.
 12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11, which further comprises at least one compound, selected from the group consisting of neuroprotectants, antiparkinsonian drugs, amyloid protein deposition inhibitors, beta amyloid synthesis inhibitors, antidepressants, anxiolytic drugs, antipsychotic drugs, and anti-multiple sclerosis drugs.
 13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11, which further comprises at least one compound, selected from the group consisting of PEP-inhibitors, LiCI, inhibitors of dipeptidyl aminopeptidases, inhibitors of DP IV enzymes or DP IV-like enzymes, acetylcholinesterase (ACE) inhibitors, PIMT enhancers, inhibitors of beta secretases, inhibitors of gamma secretases, inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase, inhibitors of Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4), TNF alpha inhibitors, muscarinic M1 receptor antagonists, NMDA receptor antagonists, sigma-1 receptor inhibitors, histamine H3 antagonists, immunomodulatory agents, immunosuppressive agents, beta-amyloid antibodies, cysteine protease inhibitors, MCP-1 antagonists or an agent selected from the group consisting of natalizumab, fampridine-SR, alemtuzumab, IR 208, NBI 5788/MSP 771 (tiplimotide), paclitaxel, Anergix.MS (AG 284), SH636, CD 271, adapalene, BAY 361677 (interleukin-4), matrix-metalloproteinase-inhibitors, BB 76163, interferon-tau (trophoblastin), and SAIK-MS. 